Philippines leaning away from conflict in S.China Sea, says President Marcos

By Necva Tastan

ISTANBUL (AA) - Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Friday that the Southeast Asian nation "seeks to prevent conflicts" in the South China Sea, emphasizing the importance of a robust defense to safeguard fishermen and territorial rights.

The remarks come after his recent directive to the Philippines Coast Guard to dismantle the floating barriers in Scarborough Shoal, which the Chinese Coast Guard placed in disputed waters.

Marcos told reporters in Manila: "The government has to stand firm on its defense to protect the welfare of the fishermen and the country's territorial rights."

"There is nothing else that could be done for the floating barriers, which blocked Filipino fishermen from productive fishing in the territory," he stressed.

Earlier this week, Manila had said it "successfully removed" what it called a "hazardous floating barrier" around Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Huangyan Island, in the disputed South China Sea.

However, China said its coast guard removed the floating barriers on its own, warning Manila against "provoking troubles" in the disputed sea.

Marcos said the Philippines will seek its territorial rights on the South China Sea "not by force, but by legal remedies through diplomatic process."

Beijing claims Huangyan Island, also known as Scarborough Shoal, is an "inherent part of China's territory, and China has indisputable sovereignty over Huangyan Island and its surrounding waters."