Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, former chair of the Senate foreign relations committee, explained that although international law prohibits the use of force, certain situations allow countries to send armed forces to rescue their citizens in another territory.
In the case of Sabah, she said force may be used if the lives of Filipinos are genuinely in danger, Malaysia is unwilling or unable to ensure their safety, the Philippines does not pursue any purpose other than rescue, and the scale and effects of the military force are proportionate to the purpose of the operation.
"As much as possible, we want to avoid the use of force," Santiago said in a speech before a gathering of nurses on Friday. "But if this is the attitude of Malaysia ... then we shall avail of the exception."
She stressed, however, that using force should be the Philippines' last resort.
Santiago proposed that the Philippines and Malaysia agree first to have a third party that will investigate the clashes between Filipino and Malaysian forces in Sabah. This can be a former head of state of any Southeast Asian country, she said.
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