‘WE WILL NOT YIELD’: GROUPS VOW TO DEFEND PH SOVEREIGNTY IN WEST PHILIPPINE SEA; ALAB NG BAYAN MOVEMENT CHALLENGES CHINA’S PRESENCE IN PHILIPPINE EEZ

MANILA, Philippines — A coalition of nationalist and civic organizations marked the Philippines' 128th Independence Day on June 12 with a renewed call to defend the country's sovereignty and maritime rights amid what they described as China's continuing aggression, harassment, interference, and construction activities within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

In a statement issued under the campaign "Alab ng Bayan: Freedom Against Aggression, Harassment, Interference, and Chinese Structures in Our EEZ," the Filipinos Do Not Yield (FDNY) Movement urged Filipinos to remain steadfast in protecting the nation's territorial integrity and sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.

The initiative was joined by several organizations, including the Alyansang Bantay Kapayapaan at Demokrasya (ABKD), Liga Independencia ng Pilipinas (LIPI), People's Alliance for Democracy and Reforms (PADER), KAMASKARA-NCR, Alyansa ng Kabataan sa Komunidad (AKK), and other groups advocating for national interests.

The coalition condemned China's continued assertion of its so-called Nine-Dash Line, which they argued has no legal basis and runs contrary to the Philippines' internationally recognized rights in the West Philippine Sea. The groups also cited incidents involving alleged harassment, intimidation, water cannon attacks, and other actions that have heightened tensions in the disputed waters. Particular concern was raised over reports of Chinese structures being built or installed at Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal). According to the groups, such developments could threaten the livelihood, security, and future of Filipino fishermen who depend on the area as a vital fishing ground.

The organizations likewise warned against a repeat of what occurred at Mischief Reef (Panganiban Reef), where the initial presence of structures eventually led to large-scale reclamation and militarization. They maintained that any construction within the Philippines' EEZ should be opposed and removed in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the landmark 2016 Arbitral Award that invalidated China's expansive maritime claims.

At the same time, the coalition acknowledged the efforts of the Marcos administration and key government agencies—including the Department of National Defense (DND), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)—in addressing developments in the West Philippine Sea and safeguarding Philippine interests.

The statement emphasized that Bajo de Masinloc is not only a strategic maritime feature but also a part of the country's history, national patrimony, and an important source of livelihood for Filipino fishermen.

"As a nation, we must remain united, vigilant, and resolute in defending our sovereign rights and national interests," the groups said.

The coalition concluded its Independence Day message with a strong call for national unity and resistance against foreign encroachment.