AFP echoes Marcos: No yielding in resolve to protect WPS

By Priam Nepomuceno, Philippine News Agency

FILE: BOOSTING THE FLEET. The Philippine Navy’s missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna while patrolling the West Philippine Sea on Sept. 22, 2023. The BRP Antonio Luna is one of the two Jose Rizal-class frigates that will be backed up by the two missile corvettes being constructed by HHI. (Photo: Western Command Armed Forces of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has committed to rallying behind President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s tough stance on asserting Manila’s rights over the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in his State of the Nation Address on Monday.

“The AFP will continue to uphold our mission, ensuring that our sovereignty and territorial integrity are safeguarded and that we remain vigilant in our commitment to national defense. We will not yield and waver and will face open and covert threats to our national security with the courage of a true Filipino patriot,” AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said in a statement Tuesday.

While they are always ready to defend the country, Brawner said they also fully support the President’s strategy of a fair and pacifist approach that emphasizes rules-based international order and efforts toward de-escalation.

“We believe in the importance of maintaining peace and stability through diplomatic means and constructive dialogue,” he added.

Brawner said the AFP stands behind Marcos’ vision of building strong relationships with like-minded nations to promote mutual security and cooperation.

He also thanked the President’s unwavering support for AFP modernization efforts and the push towards self-reliance, which are essential for strengthening the country’s defense capabilities.

“As we shift our focus towards external defense, we are thankful for the President’s acknowledgment of our accomplishments in addressing internal security threats. We fully commit to the whole-of-nation approach and the fulfillment of our government’s obligations and agreements aimed at ending decades of strife and ushering just and lasting peace in the country,” Brawner said.

Meanwhile, Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson for the WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said the support of the Commander-in-Chief for their efforts in the WPS will further strengthen their resolve to respond to the call of duty.

“Our men and women especially those in our occupied features are thankful their sacrifices are recognized. Your Navy will not yield, nor will we waiver in ensuring the integrity of our territory,” he added.

Number of Chinese ships in WPS down to 80

As this developed, the PN on Tuesday said the number of Chinese vessels spotted in various features in the WPS from July 16 to 22 has reached 80.

This is greatly lower than the 105 assorted vessels monitored from July 9 to 15.

These can be broken down into nine China Coast Guard Vessels (CCGVs), two from the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and 69 from the Chinese Maritime Militia Vessels (CMMVs).

The PN said these ships were located in the following features:

–Bajo de Masinloc, two CCGV and seven CMMVs;

–Ayungin Shoal, four CCGVs, two PLAN, and 14 CMMVs;

–Pagasa Island, one CCGV and 10 CMMVs;

–Kota Island, two CMMVs;

–Lawak Island, one CMMV;

–Panata, one CMMV;

–Sabina Shoal, one CCGV and six CMMVs.

Mandatory prayer for peace

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has issued an “oratio imperata” (mandatory prayer) for peace to reign in the WPS.

In its “Oratio Imperata”, which will be prayed nationwide from July 25, 2024 to Jan. 1, 2025, the Catholic bishops are seeking divine intercession for the easing of tensions in these waters.

“Spare us, Lord, from the horrors of war. Hear our pleas as we cry out to You. Have mercy on us, Lord; rescue us from the malevolent forces that influence world leaders,” said the CBCP prayer released Tuesday.

The prayer was approved during the 128th CBCP Plenary Assembly held recently in Mindanao.

“We pray for our leaders entrusted with making crucial decisions for our nation. We place all our hopes in You,” it added.

Archdioceses and dioceses across the country have been given copies of the prayer.

CBCP president Bishop Pablo Virgilio David earlier said the issuance of the mandatory prayer is the Catholic Church’s contribution to the easing of tensions in the WPS. (with report from Ferdinand Patinio/PNA)