House Speaker Martin Romualdez, newly appointed as an Auxiliary Vice Admiral of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA), on Sunday urged Filipinos to take an active role in defending the country’s maritime territory amid escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
With increasing Chinese incursions and disinformation campaigns claiming Palawan as part of China, Romualdez called on citizens to volunteer for the PCGA and stand united in protecting Philippine sovereignty.
“This is not the time to remain silent. Every day, we are being challenged by another country to claim our sea. If we do not move, who [will] defend us?” the Speaker said.
China’s aggressive maneuvers have intensified, including a recent attempt by its Coast Guard to block a Philippine civilian boat delivering supplies to BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal.
Filipino fisherfolk continue to face harassment, while Chinese militia vessels maintain a threatening presence in Philippine waters.
“No country has the right to obstruct our soldiers, fishermen and countrymen from our own sea. We cannot be cowed or be influenced. The West Philippine Sea is ours not only through papers but in real life,” Romualdez said.
He warned that China is advancing on two fronts—military aggression at sea and digital propaganda on land—aiming to weaken national resistance and divide Filipinos.
Romualdez emphasized that safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity is not solely the military’s responsibility.
The PCGA, he noted, offers a way for civilians to contribute to national defense, maritime security, environmental protection, and disaster response. Filipinos aged 18 and above, particularly those with experience in maritime affairs, environmental conservation, and public safety, are encouraged to join.
Interested individuals in Metro Manila may contact the 109th PCGA Squadron Office in Sta. Cruz, Manila, or the Coast Guard Auxiliary District NCR-Central Luzon in Pasay City.
Romualdez expressed confidence that Filipinos would rise to the challenge, citing a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey commissioned by Stratbase Group, which found that 77% of Filipinos support strengthening national defense through international alliances, joint patrols, and military exercises.
“The fight of the West Philippine Sea is not just a fight of the government. This is by the whole citizenry. If we want to fight for our right, we ourselves must lead the fight,” the Speaker said.
Romualdez also urged vigilance against disinformation designed to weaken the Philippines’ territorial claims, emphasizing that defending the nation is a shared responsibility. With foreign incursions persisting, civilian participation has never been more crucial, he said.
