President Duterte has told China to lay off Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea, saying the narrative will change once something bad happens to Filipinos there.
Duterte made the statement following reports from the Armed Forces Western Command that there were 275 Chinese militia vessels spotted in Pag-asa Island.
In a speech in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Duterte said that he is not warning China, but rather giving the Asian giant a friendly advice.
“I am trying to tell China: Yung Pag-asa Island is ours. We have been there since 1974. Kung inyo ‘yan, bakit hindi ninyo pinaalis kami?” he said.
“So let us be friends but do not touch Pag-asa Island and the rest. Otherwise, things would be different. This is not a warning, this is just a word of advice to my friends kasi kaibigan tayo ng China,” he added.
Duterte said he will not hesitate to shed blood if the Chinese harm Filipinos in Pag-asa Island.
“So nakikiusap ako. I will not plead or beg, but I am just telling you that lay off the Pag-asa because may mga sundalo ako diyan. ‘Pag ‘yan ang ginalaw ninyo, ibang istorya na ‘yan,” he said.
“‘Di sabihin ko na yung mga sundalo ko: ‘Prepare for suicide mission.’ Wala naman talagang ano pa.”
Duterte said he has not confirmed if there are really Chinese vessels in Pag-asa Isand. However, he insisted that Pag-asa Island belongs to the Philippines and assured that China will never try to do anything bad there. (Argyll Geducos)
