MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose L. Cuisia Jr. told the crew of the country’s newest warship, the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16), that the Philippines will exert efforts to ease tensions in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) but will also defend its territory if needed.
On Sunday, June 9, during a farewell reception of the Alcaraz at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in South Carolina, Cuisia said that while Manila supports regional stability it is also prepared to “defend what is ours.”
“As you know, there are some tensions in the West Philippine Sea and this may put you in harm’s way but there is no doubt that you will perform your duty of protecting Philippine territory if needed,” Cuisia, adding he hoped “diplomatic efforts would [still] ease these tensions.”
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