Nationwide Protest Actions Against China’s West Philippine Sea Aggression
The Peoples Alliance for Democracy and Reform (PADER) announced it will lead nationwide protest actions in response to China’s ongoing aggression in the West Philippine Sea. This campaign, organized alongside nationalist groups Alyansa ng Bantay Kapayapaan at Demokrasya (ABKD) and Filipinos Do Not Yield (FDNY)-Movement, aims to rally public support and highlight the urgency of the maritime dispute.
PADER will organize demonstrations at prominent sites such as Mendiola and outside the Chinese Embassy in Makati City. Meanwhile, ABKD and FDNY will hold simultaneous rallies in front of the Department of National Defense (DND) headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo. These coordinated actions are designed to amplify the public’s outrage over China’s repeated intimidation tactics in the West Philippine Sea.
Defending Sovereignty: Support for Defense Secretary Teodoro
The protest also serves to back Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro, who took a firm stance against China during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on June 1. Chairman Emeritus Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia, representing thousands across the three organizations, condemned what he called “veiled bullying” by senior Chinese military officials during the annual security forum. These officials appeared to target Secretary Teodoro in an attempt to provoke the Philippines.
Goitia praised Secretary Teodoro’s response, noting his integrity and calmness under pressure. “His remarks earned the respect of those present and represented the voice of a sovereign nation that refuses to back down,” Goitia said. This display of resolve underscored the Philippines’ commitment to protecting its maritime rights.
Maritime Rights and Regional Stability under Threat
Goitia emphasized the importance of respecting the Philippines’ maritime claims under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), signed in 1982. “We fully support Secretary Teodoro’s statement that, while the Philippines is part of ASEAN, it remains a sovereign country that will not compromise its territorial integrity,” he added.
The groups have long opposed China’s aggressive tactics in the region. These include harassment of Filipino fishermen, use of water cannons, laser targeting, and other coercive actions by the Chinese Coast Guard—actions that threaten peace and stability.
Shangri-La Dialogue Highlights Maritime Disputes
The Shangri-La Dialogue, hosted annually by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in Singapore, is a key platform for defense and security leaders across the Asia-Pacific. This year’s forum highlighted escalating disputes in the South China Sea, placing the Philippines at the forefront as it calls for adherence to international law and regional stability.
As tensions in the West Philippine Sea continue, these nationwide protest actions underscore the Filipino people’s determination to protect their sovereign rights and maritime territory.
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