Marcos says tension in WPS still high and shows no signs of cooling down

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized his commitment to modernizing the country's military assets and enhancing its defense capabilities during his address to troops at the Clark Air Base in Pampanga. The President stated that the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is in response to the growing complications of the situation in the West Philippine Sea. Despite the tension between China and the Philippines due to claims in the South China Sea, Beijing continues to sail inside the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. As such, Marcos ordered the PAF and AFP to undertake necessary repairs and maintenance for all military assets to fulfill new challenges in the performance of their duties. He urged them to remain steadfast in performing their duties, especially in the crucial role as the country's first line of defense against external security threats.

Photo by: Ulysses Nemeno / Canva

Meanwhile, Prof. Roland Simbulan, vice chairman of the Center for People Empowerment in Government, stated at the "Pandesal Forum" in Quezon City that China will never go to war with the US because it is the world's superpower. Simbulan urged the Filipino government to terminate its military treaties with the United States, claiming that the existence of US bases in the nation puts the country vulnerable to assault by American foes who are not necessarily the Philippines' enemies.

Simbulan's comments came amid the ongoing tensions between the Philippines and China in the disputed waters of the West Philippine Sea. The issue has been a source of concern not only for the Philippines but also for other countries in the region, as China has been increasingly assertive in its claims over the strategic waterway.

As the situation evolves, the role of the Philippines' military in preserving the country's sovereignty becomes more vital. President Marcos Jr.'s recent remarks on the need to modernize and improve the armed services' defense capabilities demonstrate the government's dedication to this goal.

At the same time, experts like Simbulan are also calling for a rethinking of the country's military agreements, including those with the United States. As the world's two superpowers continue to jockey for position in the region, the Philippines must carefully balance its interests and ensure that its national security is not compromised.

Courtesy: CNA Insider

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Source/Reference:

https://www.msn.com/en-ph/news