Atin ang Pinas! China at US Layas!

Malaya Movement USA denounces the recent, violent incident of Chinese aggression towards Philippine vessels and personnel on a resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal. As an organization built on the principle of defending and upholding Philippine sovereignty from all foreign powers, we are alarmed at the increasing frequency and severity of clashes in the West Philippine Sea between the Philippines and China.

We stand by the Arbitral Ruling under the UN Convention on the Law of the Seas that Ayungin Shoal, otherwise known as Second Thomas Shoal, is part of the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf, residing within 200 nautical miles off the shores of Palawan. It is therefore right for the Filipino people to continue to refuse surrender to any foreign aggressor.

In defense of genuine sovereignty, it is also right that we refuse escalation into war. We must recognize that these disputes are becoming more frequent because the United States military has been bulking up its presence in the Asia Pacific with the help of Marcos Jr.

War, especially one that is primarily in the US’s and China’s interest, will mean our flimsy sovereignty will be thoroughly trampled on, not to mention the mortal safety of Filipinos discarded. Speaking for all Filipinos in pursuit of genuine sovereignty, we must firmly oppose any moves to make this latest incident an excuse to open us for armed conflict, and exercise all peaceful means to secure our right to our own territory. This starts with de-escalation, since the escalation of US military presence has effectively made the Philippines mere bait for Chinese military aggression.

The Philippines must not be treated as a launching pad for war. The Filipino people are not pawns in foreign interests.

Demilitarize the West Philippine Sea and Defend Philippine Sovereignty!