President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has directed the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to de-escalate tensions with China in the West Philippine Sea, AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. announced on Thursday.
Clear Rules of Engagement
During a news briefing following a conference with the President, General Brawner stated that Marcos emphasized the importance of not escalating the situation. “The guidance from our President to our troops is not to escalate the situation on the ground or on the seas,” Brawner said.
Restraint and Appreciation
Marcos expressed his appreciation for the Filipino soldiers who have been exercising restraint while defending the country’s sovereignty and interests in the contested waters, which China claims despite a 2016 arbitral ruling in favor of the Philippines.
“He said that what you are doing is difficult because while you are defending our country, you are also practicing restraint,” Brawner quoted the President.
Recent Incidents
On June 17, a Philippine Navy sailor lost his thumb and several others were injured after Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) personnel repeatedly rammed Philippine rubber boats during a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre. The CCG personnel were seen brandishing knives, an axe, and pointed sticks, causing significant damage.
The AFP is demanding P60 million in damages from China for the destroyed equipment. Despite efforts to de-escalate through bilateral talks, Brawner emphasized that Filipino troops will defend themselves if Chinese personnel repeat such actions.
“When I said we would fight, I meant that we would not let them just bully us like they did in the past. But in the next resupply mission, we will not just allow them to bully us,” Brawner said.
Defense and Diplomacy
General Brawner assured that Filipino troops will be able to defend themselves in future missions. “We will make sure they will be able to defend themselves,” he said in an ambush interview.