By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Following the statement of President Ferdinand ”Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. that although the latest Ayungin incident was not an armed attack but still a “deliberate and illegal action” done by Chinese forces, the National Security Council (NSC) on Friday (28 disclosed) that National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo M. Año has discussed with his United States’ counterpart what transpired involving the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG).

“The two NSAs also underscored the critical role of Manila’s transparency policy on the West Philippine Sea and the primacy of resolving disputes through peaceful means as well as upholding a rules-based international order,” the NSC said.

On Thursday (27 June 2024), Marcos Jr. said the Philippines needs to do more than just the usual filing of diplomatic protest against China following the June 17 incident in Ayungin Shoal, which he described as a “deliberate, illegal action” by the Chinese forces.

“It’s not armed, walang pumutok. Hindi tayo tinutukan ng baril but it was a deliberate action to stop our people. But in the process of that, kinuhanan tayo they boarded Philippine vessel and took the equipment from the Philippine vessel,” the President told reporters.

In a statement, the NSC said Año and US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan tackled the “escalatory and violent actions against Philippine servicemen” in their conversation on Thursday  (27 June 2024).

According to the NSC, Año underscored the Philippines’ firm resolve to protect its sovereign rights in its exclusive economic zone as well as its national interest.

Año also expressed his appreciation for the US’ continuing support and assurances of “ironclad commitment” to their alliance.

Last June 17, a Philippine Navy sailor lost his thumb and several others were injured after CCG personnel repeatedly rammed Philippine Navy rubber boats to stop them from delivering food supplies, firearms, and other necessities to troops stationed at BRP Sierra Madre.

The CCG personnel were seen brandishing knives, an axe, and pointed sticks.

Based on the videos and photos released by the Philippine military, the Navy boats were slashed and the navigational screen was smashed.

However, the Chinese Embassy in Manila argued that the US has played a dishonorable part ”by stirring up confrontation and hyping up tension for its geopolitical interest.”

”When diplomatic efforts are being made by China and the Philippines to manage differences, the United States stokes the situation instead of promoting peace and facilitating talks. History and facts show that the United States has never been a solution to but rather the problem itself,” the Chinese Embassy maintained.

The Chinese Embassy viewed Washington’s application of international law and international order as “selective.”

”It sends aircraft and warships to the South China Sea to flex muscles under the pretext of exercising freedom of navigation. Its true intention is not promoting regional peace and stability, but ensuring ‘freedom of rampage’ of its aircraft and warships,” it pointed out.

(el Amigo/mnm)