Isko Moreno refuses to apologize to Chinese navy

MANILA, Philippines — Aksyon Demokratiko presidential bet Isko Moreno refused to apologize to the Chinese navy for his comments on the West Philippine Sea.

In an interview during his listening tour in Laguna on Friday, Domagoso said his recent statements against China are aimed against Chinese soldiers and occupiers in the disputed waters.

“I’m pertaining to Chinese mainlanders, the ones occupying our islands. And I don’t care. I don’t sugarcoat. Those navy, those fishermen from China, continue to occupy our space. We need not sugarcoat our words,” he said.

The 47-year-old mayor said in a previous interview that he will expel Chinese elements illegally occupying Philippine territory in the West Philippine Sea, using what was seen as a derogatory term.

“Now, if that offends them, I am offended because sinakop nila ang bansa natin (they took our land),” Domagoso said.

Domagoso reiterated his position that the national government needs to be fearless against foreign incursion in the country’s territorial waters.

“We will be fearless and we will be fair. And we will be faithful to the Filipino people and fisherfolk,” he said.

He added that the country’s Filipino-Chinese understand his stance on the issue since they are not the subject of his efforts to push back against Chinese incursion in the West Philippine Sea.

“It has nothing to do with (the) Filipino-Chinese. The Filipino-Chinese know it very well that I am referring to those mainlanders,” he said.