The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) assured that their forces are prepared to protect all Filipino fishermen, following recent incidents of harassment by China against Philippine vessels.
This statement comes after a recent incident where the Chinese Coast Guard rammed and used a water cannon against the BRP Datu Sanday, a vessel of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, in the West Philippine Sea.
In a statement, AFP Spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said that the Philippine Coast Guard and BFAR are currently focused on addressing this illegal action by China.
Col. Padilla emphasized that the AFP remains committed to safeguarding the Philippines’ maritime interests in the disputed territory.
When asked about the military’s preparations in the event of an escalation by China in the area, Col. Padilla declined to comment. However, she assured that the AFP continues to review their “rules of engagement” to address any potential threats.
The situation in the West Philippine Sea has become increasingly tense in recent weeks.
On August 25, 2024, a serious incident occurred when Chinese Coast Guard vessels rammed and used water cannons against the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) ship BRP Datu Sanday near the Sabina Shoal.
The Philippine government condemned these actions as “aggressive and dangerous maneuvers” that endangered the safety of the Filipino crew.
China, on the other hand, accused the Philippines of illegally attempting to resupply vessels in disputed waters, claiming that the Philippine vessel caused the collision.
This clash is the latest in a series of confrontations between the two nations over the disputed waters, where China asserts broad territorial claims that the Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations contest.
Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to manage tensions, the situation remains volatile, with both sides accusing each other of provocations.
In response to these incidents, the Philippine military has increased its patrols in the region and continues to monitor the presence of Chinese vessels, which have been spotted in increasing numbers around various shoals and reefs in the West Philippine Sea