Metro Manila, Philippines— Most Filipinos believe the Marcos administration should engage in “diplomacy or other peaceful methods” to further assert the country’s territorial rights over the West Philippine Sea, according to an OCTA survey published on Saturday.
The study conducted from July 22 to 27 found that 70% of the 1,200 participants want a peaceful resolution in the territorial dispute.
Filipinos also opted for other top priority measures, including the use of military action (65%) and modernizing and strengthening the Philippine military’s capability to protect the country’s territory (61%).
The non-sponsored survey has a ± 3% error margin at 95% confidence level.
The Senate earlier adopted a resolution condemning China’s continued harassment of Filipino fisherfolk and persistent incursions in the West Philippine Sea.
Last Aug. 5, a China Coast Guard vessel blocked and fired water cannons at Philippine vessels on the way to Ayungin Shoal for a resupply mission.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines said it was looking at deploying Navy reservists to increase its presence in the disputed waters.
