‘DAPAT LAGING HANDA’: AFP CHIEF PRODS LAWMAKERS TO SUPPORT MILITARY MODERNIZATION

By Junex Doronio

IN THE FACE OF INCREASING CHINESE AGGRESSION, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo R. Brawner Jr. has urged lawmakers to help realize the modernization program.

This means more battle ships and jet fighters to safeguard the sovereignty and “democratic way of life” of an archipelagic country like the Philippines composed of 7,641 islands.

“Ang importante ‘yung talagang mapalakas natin ‘yung ating AFP, so nananawagan kami sa ating mga senador, sa ating mga congressmen, na suportahan po yung modernization program ng AFP. Kailangan po natin talaga makabili ng karagdagang mga barko, mga jet fighter,” Brawner said on Tuesday, October 24, in a radio interview.

He underscored that the Philippines cannot use China’s continued harassment of its ships in the WPS to invoke its Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) with the United States (US).

“Hindi pa po kailangang i-invoke ‘yung MDT. ‘Yung mga mas malalang mga atake, deliberate attack for instance on our Philippine ships or an attack dito sa ating teritoryo, would necessitate ‘yung pag-invoke natin ng MDT,” Brawner clarified.

It can be recalled that the MDT signed on Aug. 30, 1951, stipulates that the Philippines and the US would support each other if either of them were to be attacked by an external party.

On Oct. 22, Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) and maritime militia vessels tried to prevent anew the Philippine routine resupply to BRP Sierra Madre (LS-57) in Ayungin Shoal, deliberately bumping supply boat Unaiza May 2 and its escort, BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409).

However, the other supply boat, Unaiza May 1, completed the delivery to the troops aboard BRP Sierra Madre.

National Security Council (NSC) Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said China’s provocative actions are increasing tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

Support from several nations, including the US, Canada, and Japan, poured in for the Philippines while they condemned China’s “aggressive actions.”

But in a statement, the CCG claimed that the Philippine vessel had ignored repeated warnings, crossed the bow of the Chinese ship, and “deliberately provoked trouble”, causing the collision.

(ai/mnm)