By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
While the tense atmosphere arising from Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan’s incendiary remarks is yet to dissipate, China continues to stoke the flames through unrelenting pronouncements that lack substance.
This, as the China Coast Guard claimed in a statement that they ‘allegedly’ permitted the successful conduct of a rotation and resupply (RORE) mission to BRP Sierra Madre on Wednesday, adding that “they monitored the entire process.”
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) was quick to dismiss what it describes as a false narrative, which aims to cover up the failed mission on September 24, where eight Chinese Coast Guard and People’s Liberation Army vessels blocked AFP’s resupply vessel M/V Lapu Lapu, which was also accompanied by three escort vessels from the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard.
AFP Spokesperson for West Philippine Sea RAdm. Roy Vincent Trinidad (Ret.) said in a statement, “Who believes them, each time they invent a new narrative? Nag-iimbento lamang sila ng naratibo at wala namang naniniwala sa kanila. Pati pag-angkin sa Batanes, kasama na sa naratibo nila. These types of narratives, consider them as inventions and they are jokes. Laugh at them.”
Prior to the September 24 event, RORE missions took place for two years without incident due to a prevailing provisional understanding between the Philippines and China.
RAdm. Trinidad also shared that these missions form part of the AFP’s mandate, underscoring that it is a routine activity performed without the need to seek permission or approval from other countries.
He concluded his statement with a reassurance that the Armed Forces is ready for the possibility of escalation in the WPS and the country’s northern maritime domains in 2028, shall the situation continue to worsen in the succeeding months.
“We are already monitoring the escalation of foreign and domestic-maligned influence for this year. Alam ng ating mga kasundaluhan ito; they are expecting it, and they know how to act if it ever happens.” (with report from Patrick de Jesus | PTV News)
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