By Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos
President Duterte on Thursday said he is ready to go to war against any country conducting research or experiments in the Philippine Rise, also known as the Benham Rise, without the government’s permission.
“If any country would say that they want to try and experiment there without our permission, hindi talaga ako papayag and it will mean war,” Duterte said in a speech during the opening of the National Special Weapons and Tactics Challenge in Davao City. “Nandoon na ang mga Marines. ‘Wag kayong matakot, kasama ako doon,” he added.
Duterte also said that the government will protect the Philippine Rise from large countries overbearing their power.
“We will never agree to an insult like that. Do not mess with us because we will not allow it. If it’s time to go to heaven then so be it,” the President said.
Meanwhile, MalacaƱang said yesterday that there is no problem if the government decides to allow a joint exploration with China in areas under the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Philippines.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, in a press briefing in Paniqui, Tarlac, said the Philippines can allow any country to hold a joint exploration in its EEZ because it has the sovereign decision to do so.