DFA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Ma. Teresita Daza
THE Philippines is getting international support from at least 14 countries amid the recent aggression and harassment of the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) in the West Philippine Sea, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
In a briefing with the Malacañang Press Corps on Monday, DFA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Ma. Teresita Daza said that there are 14 countries that have expressed their support for the Philippines against China’s illegal activities in the Philippine waters.
Daza said that these countries include France, United States of America, Japan, Ireland, Australia, Canada, Denmark, EU, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, among others.
She said that these countries have already signified support for the position of the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea and have also expressed concern about what is happening in the country’s territory.
“We’re very appreciative of the fact that many countries have actually expressed support for the Philippines. And, as of our latest count, that there been 14, or so,” Daza told reporters.
She emphasized that the Philippines is getting international backing due to the serious actions being undertaken by China in the West Philippine Sea over the last few days as it “caused damaged not only to vessels, but it can also be harmful to the ones manning the vessels.”
“But it does not contribute to peace and security in the region,” she added.
Daza said that the Philippines used the so-called “maritime communication mechanism” at around 12:00 noon on Sunday and filed a diplomatic protest with the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
She added that the Philippine Embassy in Beijing has made a “demarche to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials” over the Bajo de Masinloc incident.
The Philippines was conducting a resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal when its vessels were rammed and water cannoned by the CCG.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. condemned the latest attack from China.
