‘Ironclad’ support
IT is certainly heartening to know that the United States government has reaffirmed its “ironclad” support to the Philippines.
The “ironclad” support of the US. a long-time ally of the Philippines, is something that should be welcomed by every Filipino.
US Defense Secretary Llyod Austin reaffirmed the commitment during a telephone conversation with his Filipino counterpart.
Austin told Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro that his country is out to help Manila in defending its sovereign rights.
At the same time, the US official underscored the importance of preserving the rights of all nations to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows.
Austin renewed his country’s ironclad commitment to defend the Philippines following last week’s “dangerous actions” by China in the West Philippine Sea..
Reports said Chinese Coast Guard personnel allegedly boarded and even towed Philippine civilian vessels on a resupply mission to the grounded BRP Sierra Madre.
Like other Third World or developing nations across the globe, the Philippines needs the help of friends not only during armed conflicts.
We also need the support of our allies and friends in the international community in times of peace.
This, if we really want to speed up the socio-economic development of the country amidst the problems confronting the world.
