A YOUTH group in Northern Mindanao urged the Duterte administration to find ways on maximizing the decision of the United Nations saying the country has “exclusive sovereign rights” over the West Philippine Sea.
However, the League of Filipino Students (LFS) called on the public to remain vigilant as the harassment and China’s aggressions is expected to continue.
The LFS commends the ruling of the United Nations International Tribunal against China on its decade-long dispute against the country.
“It took at least three years, but we are happy that the decision is in our favor,” Kristine Cabardo, LFS-NMR chairperson said.
But the group said that the country might have “won the case, but the fight is not yet over.”
“While we commend the ruling, we must continue the struggle for our national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The league reminds everyone to be vigilant knowing how China has blatantly announced that it wouldn’t respect the decision by the Arbitral Court even before it was ruled, we still have a fight to face,” he said.
“We must not take for granted the fact that it is only the people’s assertion will truly kick off China in the Scarborough Shoal,” she added.
Cabardo said China must be held accountable with the offenses it has committed to the Filipino fishermen, adding that sanctions must be applied especially if it disrespects the ruling.
Cabardo called on the youth not to be disillusioned with the mere “moral victory.”
“The youth of this nation must be ever ready to fight for our sovereignty with or without the court’s decision. The fight is not yet over,” she said.