SEVERAL graduates of San Beda University urged President Rodrigo Duterte to assert the Philippines’ rights in the West Philippine Sea.

In a Fraternal Statement, at least 129 alumni called on Duterte to retract his public statement that China is in possession of the West Philippine Sea.

“When part of the country’s territory is taken by the People’s Republic of China and our countrymen, particularly the fishermen, are threatened with force exclusively enjoying our nation’s marine resource, the President is solemnly bound to uphold, defend, and protect his countrymen and the integrity of our national territory,” the statement read.

“This fraternal appeal is respectfully made in answer to clarion call for San Beda, our country, and God,” it added.

The group asked Duterte to withdraw his statements about the 2016 Arbitral Award that favors the Philippines over China’s sea claim.

The President recently said that the country cannot do anything against China amid the continuous massing of Chinese boats in contested waters.

The Bedan alumni called on Duterte to “categorically, demonstrably, and publicly” uphold the 1987 Philippine Constitution to protect the country’s marine wealth.