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Apparently, President Benigno Aquino III admitted that the government will be getting ready if ever the tension in the West Philippine Sea might end up in a war.
According to a report, the commander-in-chief stated that the government is preparing for possibilities, though he refused to give further details.
On the other hand, the Philippine government is still hoping that the territorial disputes will be resolved in a diplomatic way.
“Well, we are preparing contingencies for that but we don’t think that is a likely possibility at this point, or likely probability at this point. We will not add to the conditions that will set about such a situation. We will always endeavor to de-escalate and pursue that option of talking about this dispute and resolving it peacefully,” the President stated in an interview.
Malacañang clarified earlier that the tension between Philippines and China did not worsen, despite of the increase in number of Chinese vessels deployed in the Scarborough Shoal.
According to presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda, China is still not doing any military provocations and they are hoping that the disputes will be settled in a peaceful way.
“Obviously, China has not taken any action… provocative action in terms of military action. And so, since there has been no military action, we are always hopeful that a peaceful resolution will be maintained by both parties,” said Lacierda.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces if the Philippines reportedly cleared that although their forces on the Kagitingan Reef in the part of Spratlys are on stand-by, they will not interfere with the actions of the Chinese maritime ships which are currently in the area.
