ROXAS CITY, Capiz (PIA) -- Senator Imee Marcos supported the need to upgrade the capabilities of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and pursue the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) amid the West Philippine Sea tension.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. approved early this year the updated acquisition plan of the Armed Forces of the Philippines dubbed “Re-Horizon 3” in line with the administration’s Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept.

Senator Marcos also pushed for a dialogue with Beijing that will help de-escalate tension caused by China’s provocative action in the West Philippine Sea.

dangerous maneuvers to illegally obstruct a routine Philippine resupply and rotation mission to BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal.

Four were injured following China’s harassment and dangerous actions against Philippine vessels delivering supplies to Filipino troops stationed at Ayungin Shoal.

“Kasi di naman natin kakayanin yong kanilang mga barko. Di natin kaya ang biggest navy in the world which is the Chinese Navy,” she noted.

(We cannot outclass their naval ships. We cannot handle the Chinese Navy which is the biggest navy in the world)

She also called on co-claimants of the WPS like Vietnam, Indonesia, and Japan, among others, to join hands in exercising legal rights over the disputed maritime zone. (EAD/AAL/PIA Capiz)