AFP chief Brawner’s harassment at West PH Sea ‘worrisome’ – Marcos

FILE PHOTO: Armed Forces of the Philippines chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — The harassment that Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner experienced near Ayungin Shoal is “worrisome,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said.

But the President also recognized the incident as a “proud demonstration of Filipino courage.”

During the 88th anniversary of the AFP on Thursday, Marcos reiterated the government’s commitment to ”assert its rights in accordance with the Philippine Constitutions and international law.“

“The recent incidents involving no less than our AFP chief of staff is worrisome, but it is a proud demonstration of Filipino courage against coercion and our firm resolve to protect, preserve, and uphold our territorial integrity,” he said in a speech.

READ: PH addressing China aggression in WPS: Let’s not overreact

The President was referring to the harassment that Brawner himself experienced when he joined the December 10 resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre, which was grounded on Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

Brawner was aboard the vessel Unaizah Mae 1 when it was rammed by a Chinese Coast Guard ship.

Marcos lauded the AFP for remaining undeterred by actions “that stir tensions,” but he urged them to continue improving its readiness to respond to security threats.

“As the arm of government tasked with upholding national security, the AFP must continue to improve its readiness to effectively prevent and to properly respond to the current and emerging threats,” he said.

Marcos said the AFP has become crucial in the past years as the Philippines found itself in the middle of geopolitical developments and tensions, specifically involving the West Philippine Sea.

He, however, maintained that despite provocations, the Philippines will remain a “force and voice of reason” in resolving issues in accordance with international law.

“Despite the many attempts and provocations, the Philippines through the AFP remains a force and a voice of reason exemplifying responsible and dignified behavior in resolving issues in accordance with international law,” Marcos said.

Marcos previously expressed the need for a “paradigm shift” in the West Philippine Sea dispute, as he admitted that confrontations in the disputed waters have already fallen into a pattern – with China’s aggression being a repeated occurrence and the Philippines consistently engaging in traditional methods of diplomacy “with very little progress.”