Exercise restraint, urges Manila

Elated crowd: Filipinos releasing balloons during thanksgiving prayers along Roxas boulevard facing the South China sea in Manila after the international tribunal ruling in favour of the Philippines on the suit it lodged against China’s maritime territorial claims. — EPA

PETALING JAYA: Lauding the landmark ruling of the international tribunal that is in favour of the Philippines, Manila urges all the parties to “exercise restraint and sobriety”.

In a statement, Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay said experts were studying the ruling with “care and thoroughness” that the outcome deserves.

He said the Philippines strongly affirmed its respect for this milestone decision as an “important contribution” to ongoing efforts in addressing disputes in the South China Sea.

Yasay said the decision upheld international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

“The Philippines reiterates its abiding commitment to efforts to pursue the peaceful resolution and management of disputes with a view to promoting and enhancing peace and stability in the region,” he said.