NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Not Cowardice, But Caution: Philippines Explains Strategy In West Philippine Sea
Photo credit: PTV
The Philippine government has defended its current approach in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), emphasizing that the decision not to send Navy ships to lead operations—particularly near Scarborough Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc—is a deliberate move rooted in strategy, not fear.
This clarification comes after a recent incident where a Chinese warship was involved in harassing a Philippine vessel before colliding with a China Coast Guard ship. Despite rising tensions, officials insist that the Philippines’ restraint is a calculated effort to prevent escalation.
“We prefer the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to take the lead at this point, to show our Chinese counterparts that we are not escalating the situation,” explained National Security Council spokesperson Asst. Dir. Gen. Cornelio Valencia Jr. “The use of our civilian coast guard sends a clear message. It is not weakness—it is diplomacy in action.”
National Maritime Council spokesperson Usec. Alexander Lopez echoed this, stressing that the country’s choice is rooted in prudence.
“We will not send our Navy to face their Navy. Why? Because when you deploy Navy vessels, it creates a war-like scenario. Miscalculations and misjudgments become more likely, and that is something we want to avoid. Not deploying the Navy does not mean we are cowards,” Lopez said firmly.
The Philippine Coast Guard has also assured the public that Filipino fishermen remain safe in Panatag Shoal. Careful deployment, paired with skilled officers, is central to the strategy.
“We are assigning captains who are excellent in seamanship. The recent maneuvering of Captain Ange, commanding officer of BRP Suluan, is proof of the professionalism and precision we require in WPS missions,” said PCG spokesperson for the WPS, Commodore Jay Tarriela.
On the diplomatic front, the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the Philippines has already lodged 35 formal protests against China this year over various incidents in the disputed waters.
The message from Manila is clear: exercising caution in the WPS is not an act of surrender, but of responsibility. The government insists that while it continues to defend its sovereignty, it will do so in a manner that avoids unnecessary risks of military confrontation.
This clarification comes after a recent incident where a Chinese warship was involved in harassing a Philippine vessel before colliding with a China Coast Guard ship. Despite rising tensions, officials insist that the Philippines’ restraint is a calculated effort to prevent escalation.
“We prefer the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to take the lead at this point, to show our Chinese counterparts that we are not escalating the situation,” explained National Security Council spokesperson Asst. Dir. Gen. Cornelio Valencia Jr. “The use of our civilian coast guard sends a clear message. It is not weakness—it is diplomacy in action.”
National Maritime Council spokesperson Usec. Alexander Lopez echoed this, stressing that the country’s choice is rooted in prudence.
“We will not send our Navy to face their Navy. Why? Because when you deploy Navy vessels, it creates a war-like scenario. Miscalculations and misjudgments become more likely, and that is something we want to avoid. Not deploying the Navy does not mean we are cowards,” Lopez said firmly.
The Philippine Coast Guard has also assured the public that Filipino fishermen remain safe in Panatag Shoal. Careful deployment, paired with skilled officers, is central to the strategy.
“We are assigning captains who are excellent in seamanship. The recent maneuvering of Captain Ange, commanding officer of BRP Suluan, is proof of the professionalism and precision we require in WPS missions,” said PCG spokesperson for the WPS, Commodore Jay Tarriela.
On the diplomatic front, the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the Philippines has already lodged 35 formal protests against China this year over various incidents in the disputed waters.
The message from Manila is clear: exercising caution in the WPS is not an act of surrender, but of responsibility. The government insists that while it continues to defend its sovereignty, it will do so in a manner that avoids unnecessary risks of military confrontation.
Aug 18, 2025
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