Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana stated that the new law of China on allowing its coast guard to use firearms against possible threats to their claimed territories is “alarming”.
“I should say it is a very irresponsible statement dahil ang ating kababayan ay hindi naman pumupunta sa lugar na ‘yan, sa disputed area, para makipaggyera kundi para makapaghanapbuhay (I should say it is a very irresponsible statement because our citizens will not go to that area, the disputed area, to battle, but to conduct their livelihood).”
According to the new AFP Chief, the added visibility of Philippine patrols will ensure the integrity of the country’s territory. But he clarified that the presence of the Philippine Navy in the area does not mean war, but protection for the livelihood of the fisherfolks.
“I directed immediately the Philippine Navy to provide more ships to Western Command para makapagdagdag tayo ng (so we can increase the) frequency of Philippine patrols ensuring that the Filipino fishermen are safe and secure.”
It can be recalled that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has filed a diplomatic protest against the said Chinese law. – Report from Bea Bernardo
