PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. found an ally in defending the Philippines against the Chinese incursion and harassment of Filipino vessels in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

This after Marshall Islands President Hilda C. Heine expressed her support for the Philippines during her courtesy call at the Malacañan Palace.

Heine encouraged Marcos to consider coordinating with the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).

“I want to raise concerns over PRC [People’s Republic of China] present actions on the South China Sea. This is a concern not only for the 7 for us in the region as well who look forward to a secure region,” Heine said.

“We suggest that the Philippines consider contacting Pacific Islands Forum for support. First of all, the team of the Pacific Island countries there are numbers of the forum,” Heine added.

President Heine assured President Marcos that they will assist the Philippines in whatever decision it will make as far as the PIF is concerned, saying they are willing to extend support to the country in the regional or international arena.

The Philippines considers the PIF as an important platform for enhancing cooperation with the Pacific Island Countries.

For his part, President Marcos extended his gratitude to President Heine for supporting the stand of the Philippines in the WPS saying the country is relying on support from international rulings.

“So, I hope that Marshall Islands will be able to support us on that. I think, we have the same interest and we have the same values,” Marcos said.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Chona Yu