THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), is considering alternative supply options for the military personnel stationed on BRP Sierra Madre.
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. made this statement during a press briefing at Manila Bay on Wednesday.
Gen. Brawner mentioned that they are looking for different ways to deliver supplies to Ayungin Shoal without escalating tensions between the Philippines and the Chinese Coast Guard.
“We are looking into other possibilities on how to conduct a resupply mission without necessarily escalating tension already in the West Philippine Sea,” according to Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., Chief of Staff, AFP.
The statement from the AFP Chief follows a recent collision between two Chinese and Philippine vessels in the disputed territory. Because of this incident, the AFP is looking to acquire additional equipment to demonstrate the defense of Philippine-claimed islands.
“So what do we need? We need multi-role fighters, we need ships that will be present in the area because we always say the name of the game is physical and effective presence. Whoever has the most presence in the area has control,” Brawner added.
It can be noted that former President Rodrigo Duterte previously mentioned on his program “Gikan sa Masa Para sa Masa” on SMNI that extra caution is necessary in conducting operations in disputed territories due to escalating tensions.
“We’re aware of tensions rising, that the temperature is rising, it’s getting a bit hot. But we need to be cautious because we really don’t want to go to war,” Former President, Rodrigo R. Duterte, Republic of the Philippines stated.
According to Gen. Brawner, the Philippine Coast Guard is currently conducting an ongoing investigation regarding the collision incident. The Philippines will file a protest when the investigation is completed.
“So this can be used as a basis for our filing of protests before international maritime regulatory bodies,” Brawner said.
On the other hand, Gen. Brawner commended the Filipino troops stationed at Ayungin Shoal and in other Philippine islands.
“We would like to, of course, commend our troops at Ayungin Shoal for the courage and bravery they are exhibiting. It’s not easy to be assigned there, and the same goes for all of our soldiers assigned in all the features,” Brawner stated.
