Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa serves as co-chairperson of the working group on political and security matters during Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF 31) at Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City Thursday, November 23, 2023. (Photo from Bibo Nueva España/Senate PRIB)
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa believes the Philippines is not stirring up trouble in West Philippine Sea by conducting joint patrols with United States.
“Who is the first one to cause trouble by water cannoning our people? Who is the first?” fumed Dela Rosa.
He made the comment when spoke with media on the sidelines of Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum on Friday at Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.
China earlier accused the Philippines of “enlisting foreign forces” to patrol the disputed waters, calling it an attempt to “stir up trouble” and “undermine regional peace and stability.”
“We are not stirring trouble. We just want to make sure that our rotation and supply mission to our people in Ayungin Shoal can reach the intended users,” dela Rosa said.
“Joint exercises lang naman ‘yan. Kung ang dating sa kanila e trouble is being stirred – no,” he pointed out.
(Those are only joint exercises. If it appears to them that trouble is being stirred, no.)
“Annual nga dapat ‘yan eh. That’s a periodic military exercise being conducted by the United States, the Philippines, and other allied countries,” he explained.
(That should’ve been conducted annually.)
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on November 21 announced that the Philippines and the United States had begun joint patrols in West Philippine Sea.
It is seen as a show of force in the area, which is gripped by maritime territorial dispute.