The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Sunday that it would maintain its presence in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) while keeping the troops’ high morale.
“We continuously monitor the moral of our troops and nakikita natin as we go along na mataas ang state of moral ng ating kasundaluhan,” said AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla on Super Radyo dzBB.
She said that with China’s actions on Saturday when its ships “intentionally” and repeatedly rammed the BRP Teresa Magbanua, servicemen are even more determined to defend the nation.
“In fact, with all of this happening; it’s lighting a flame itong patriotic spirit of each one and yung kanilang will to fight for our country. In fact, mas marami pa tayong mga tropa who are willing to be stationed in the frontlines of this sa WPS. Nakita natin na lahat po bawat Pilipino ignited sa patriotic spirit,” Padilla added.
She then emphasized that the AFP would stay true to its mandate and maintain a presence in the WPS.
Resupply mission
Padilla noted that the recent resupply mission to the BRP Teresa Magbanua stationed in the Escoda Shoal using a helicopter was successful.
“We were able to successfully deliver the provisions through the aerial operation. So, with these operations that we do in the WPS, we will not be deterred in continuing on sa pagbigay ng humanitarian missions na ito. The same is true po sa iba pa nating mga tropa, na deployed all over the WPS,” she said.
As to whether aerial operations using helicopters would be how supplies would be delivered from now on, Padilla said this would depend on the situation.
She explained that given the additional budget provided by the government, the public may expect the AFP to procure modern equipment and upskill the defense forces.
“Yung training and pag strengthen with our alliances and like minded nations napakarami nating exercises na kino-conduct sa kanila. We learn of their equipment and practice interoperability ng ating mga kagamitin kasama itong ibat ibang nation, minded nations which are willing to join us in upskilling and modernizing and of course maintaining a free and open Indo-pacific,” she said.
Red line
The AFP spokesperson noted that the AFP had set and defined the “red lines” of China’s aggressions.
“Sabi ko nga nandiyan din po yung right sa atin sa arbitral ruling and sinusunod naman natin yung mga provisions na nakatuon sa batas na yan. As I said we will be performing out mandate in accordance with the international laws and of course the rules of engagement that are set forth,” Padilla added.
On Saturday, the Philippine Coast Guard said China “intentionally” and repeatedly rammed the BRP Teresa Magbanua.
The 97-meter (320-foot) BRP Teresa Magbanua, the largest vessel of the PCG’s fleet, raised its anchor to loiter around Escoda Shoal, located just 75 nautical miles or about 139 kilometers from the main Palawan island, PCG spokesperson for West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela said in a press conference.
This action caught the attention of both the CCG and Chinese maritime militia vessels around the area, the PCG said.
CCG vessel 5205 then directly rammed BRP Teresa Magbanua’s port bow, then turned around and again rammed the PCG vessel twice, “despite our unprovoked action and presence in Escoda Shoal,” Tarriela added. — DVM, GMA Integrated News
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