THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) strongly condemned the provocative and dangerous actions of China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).
It can be recalled that on August 8, during a routine maritime patrol over Bajo de Masinloc, a Philippine Air Force (PAF) NC-212i aircraft was suddenly overtaken by a Chinese aircraft, which then released flares in the path of the Philippine plane.
According to AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., the personnel of the Philippine Air Force were put in danger while conducting maritime security operations within Philippine territory.
“Well, it’s really very dangerous. The maneuvers they did are very dangerous. In fact, it is illegal to get that close and to release flares in the path of another aircraft. That is wrong. Very dangerous, and what they did was illegal. Those maneuvers are dangerous and provocative,” according to Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., Chief of Staff, AFP.
The AFP has already reported the incident to the Department of Foreign Affairs and other government agencies, while the Philippine Air Force pilots safely returned to Clark Air Base.
Secretary Gilberto Teodoro of the Department of National Defense (DND) stated that they expect China to continue such actions.
“The National Maritime Council will consider these things, but we have to expect that this is a continuous pattern that China will do to us. This is a continuous struggle for presence and for assertion of sovereign rights in the area, so you will have to expect these things to happen,” stated Sec. Gilberto Teodoro, DND.
Regarding the question of whether China’s actions are alarming, this is the Secretary’s response:
“I do not think it’s alarming. It’s a response that we should get acclimated to,” Teodoro added.
AFP will not cease its patrols in Philippine territory
On the side of the AFP, even though they expect China to repeat these actions, they will not stop their patrols within Philippine territory.
“As Secretary Teodoro said, we can expect this occurrence in the future, so we will continue our patrols, and we have advised our personnel in the AFP not to be afraid. Not only the pilots, but also our sailors should continue our maritime patrols,” Brawner stressed.
Meanwhile, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo said the Philippines is always open to discussions.
“No, of course, we in the Philippines are committed. We’ve always said to try and settle whatever disputes or whatever issues through diplomatic and peaceful means. We will continue; it’s up to China whether they will,” Sec. Enrique Manalo, DFA said.
