A lawmaker from Mindanao on Monday said a recent survey which showed seven (7) out of ten (10) Filipino adults are willing to defend the country “in case a conflict arises with a foreign enemy” indicates that majority of Filipinos are “sick and tired” of China’s continuing intrusions and bullying in the West Philippine Sea.

Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, chair of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, said although the survey, which was commissioned by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and conducted by Octa Research, did not directly mention the country’s conflict at WPS, it is clear from its results that an overwhelming majority of Filipinos are aware of the issue and are dismayed over China’s moves in the region.

“Sa aking pananaw, karamihan sa ating kababayan ay galit na sa bansang China dahil sa mga pinag-gagawa nila sa mga Pilipinong mangingisda at Philippine Coast Guard sailors sa West Philippine Sea,” he said, adding “Ang mga Pilipino ay tipikal na matimpiin. Pero pag tayo ay umabot na sa sukdulan ng pasensya, eh. Wag nyo kami maliitin. May kasabihan na maliit man ay nakaka-puwing din.”

“Sa pagkakataon na ito, dapat din nating bantayan at kilalanin ang mga ‘Makapili’ sa ating hanay, na walang kunsyensya na tumutulong para palawigin ang makasariling interes ng China sa ating bansa,” he said, referring to the Filipinos who collaborated with Japanese occupation forces in the Philippines during World War II.

As of present, the Mindananoan solon said the Philippines has no known conflict with other neighboring countries except the territorial dispute with China, and Filipinos are aware of past and present goings-on at WPS as news on this issue are frequently seen on TV, read in the papers and seen in the various social media platforms.

“Nakikita at nagagalit ang ating mga kababayan sa mga news reports at mga video clips sa social media kung papaano hinaharang, tinataboy at binobomba ng tubig ng Chinese sailors and militias ang ating Coast Guard at mangingisda sa tuwing magagawi sila sa ating teritoryo sa Ayungin Shoal sa WPS,” he added.

Only last week, Barbers said the PCG reported and provided videos of Chinese Coast Guard and Chinese militia vessels who blocked, harassed, deployed water cannons and executed dangerous maneuvers to illegally impede or obstruct a resupply mission to military troops stationed at BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.

The OCTA survey showed that 77% of Filipino adults said they will fight for the country in the event of an external conflict. “Across major areas, at least 60% of adult Filipinos are willing to fight for the country, with the highest percentage observed in Mindanao (84%) and the lowest percentage in Visayas (62%),” OCTA Research said on Sunday.

“The OCTA survey result is truly inspiring and reflects the deep patriotism and love for our country among Filipinos. It’s incredibly heartening to see such a high percentage of our fellow citizens, especially in my home island of Mindanao, the less privileged class D demographic, and the middle aged 45-54 group,” the solon from Surigao del Norte said.

“This strong willingness to fight for our country in the face of external threats is a testament to the innate character of resiliency, bravery, and unity of the Filipino people. It reaffirms our shared values and sense of duty to protect our homeland, ensuring its sovereignty and security for generations to come,” he added.

Barbers said it is imperative to foster a profound national security consciousness, leading to decisive actions against any threats infiltrating our bureaucracy and society. “The general public also plays a crucial role by offering sincere cooperation with authorities, collectively safeguarding our nation’s integrity and sovereignty. This synergy between government and citizens forms a formidable defense against external and internal challenges, ensuring the safety and stability of our country.”

According to Barbers, the profound patriotism demonstrated by the majority of Filipinos in the willingness to defend their country should not be limited to external threats but must extend to addressing pressing internal challenges.

“This includes, among others, the fight against poverty, corruption, illegal drugs, and the protection of human rights. Just as citizens are prepared to defend their nation from foreign aggression, they should also be equally committed to eradicating these internal scourges that undermine the fabric of society,” he said.