THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) dismissed the statement released by the Chinese government on the alleged agreement between the Philippines and China concerning the management of Ayungin Shoal, a disputed island in the West Philippine Sea.
“The DFA wishes to emphasize that only the President of the Republic of the Philippines can approve or authorize agreements entered into by the Philippine Government on matters pertaining to the West Philippine Sea and South China Sea. In this respect, the DFA can confirm that no Cabinet-level official of the Marcos administration has agreed to any Chinese proposal pertaining to the Ayungin Shoal,” according to DFA.
The agency asserts that there are no documents or records within the government pertaining to any communication with China regarding West Philippine Sea.
“No such document, record or deal exists, as purported by the Chinese Embassy,” DFA added.
To recall, the Chinese Embassy in Manila recently stated that the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command (WESCOM) reached an agreement with China this year for a “new model” of managing the situation at Ayungin Shoal.
Moreover, the Chinese embassy claimed that this new model was approved by the Philippine government, including the Department of National Defense.
However, during his media appearance, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. strongly denied the involvement of the DND in any agreement with China regarding the “new model” at Ayungin Shoal.
In fact, among the steps currently being considered by their ranks is to strengthen operational security measures to counteract any wrongdoings by China.
PH gov’t probes possible China wiretapping breach
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro believes that China may have violated the explicit recording of a private conversation between them and the alleged military official regarding an agreement in the West Philippine Sea.
This is if China’s claims that they reached an agreement with some AFP officials for a New Model on how to manage Ayungin Shoal turn out to be true.
According to Teodoro, such action would mean a violation of Philippine law because it bypassed the relevant agencies such as the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
AFP explains sudden leave of WESCOM Chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos
Meanwhile, the AFP clarified the sudden leave of Western Command Chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, stating that his personal leave is unrelated to the story circulated by the Chinese Embassy about an alleged “new model” arrangement at Ayungin Shoal supposedly agreed upon by WESCOM with the consent of high-ranking government officials.
Naval Education, Training and Doctrine Command chief Rear Admiral Alfonso Torres Jr. temporarily assumed Carlos’ position—and Carlos is expected to return after his personal leave, which began on Tuesday.
“Let’s respect his decision to file [for leave]. It’s an inherent right of every individual to go on leave, for whatever reasons,” said Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, Spokesperson, AFP.
On the other hand, the National Security Council also rejected China’s statement, calling the information absurd, ludicrous, and preposterous, with no reason to believe it.
