Dela Rosa to kill himself in WPS to prove he is not pro-China

MANILA, Philippines - Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa stated that he is prepared to engage in combat in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) to prove his opposition to China.

This was in response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s statement that the senatorial candidates of his administration have no connections to China, Philippine offshore gambling businesses, or the contentious ‘Oplan Tokhang’ drug war operation.

Before a Partido ng Demokratiko Pilipino proclamation event in San Juan, Dela Rosa told reporters: "I'll be honest—if anyone accuses me of being pro-China, I'm willing to die in the West Philippine Sea."

He went on to emphasize his opposition to foreign aggression by saying, "If they doubt me, hand me a gun, and we'll go after the bullies in the West Philippine Sea."

China's broad claim over the South China Sea, which includes the WPS, is the basis for its continued aggression in Philippine waters.

However, China's claims were rejected by an international arbitral tribunal, a ruling that has exacerbated regional tensions