MANILA — Following a recent incident where Chinese vessels collided with Filipino ships engaged in a routine resupply mission to the detachment on the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, the defense leaders of the Philippines and the United States have underscored their dedication to the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between their nations.
In a conference call, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and US Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III addressed the October 22 incident, particularly highlighting the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) perilous and unlawful maneuvers that jeopardized the safety of Philippine vessels and crew.
Secretary Austin also expressed the United States’ unwavering support for the Philippines in the wake of the incident.
The MDT covers both countries’ public vessels, aircraft, and armed forces, including the Coast Guard, throughout the Pacific region, including the South China Sea.
Moreover, the two officials pledged to intensify efforts to enhance bilateral coordination, interoperability, and support for the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Secretary Austin reiterated his firm commitment to the Philippines and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
Teodoro and Austin commended the existing military collaboration between Manila and Washington, including their recent joint naval exercise off the coast of Palawan, and they committed to expanding the scope and pace of US-Philippines engagements.
They also anticipate an in-person meeting in Jakarta during the forthcoming ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) Plus.
It may be recalled that on Sunday, October 22, Chinese Coat Guard Chinese maritime militia vessels figured anew in a dangerous blocking incident that led to a collision with a Philippine resupply boat near Ayungin Shoal.
Meanwhile, on Friday the Philippine Fleet (PF) announced that its missile frigates, namely BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), alongside a multi-purpose attack craft armed with a Spike-ER (extended range surface-to-surface) missile, successfully engaged in a live-fire gunnery exercise on Thursday.
In an official statement, PF spokesperson Lt. Giovanni Badidles disclosed that these live-fire drills were conducted in the vicinity of Capones Island, San Antonio, Zambales, as part of “Exercise Pagbubuklod,” which is scheduled from October 23 to 27.
Badidles further emphasized that live-fire exercises play a vital role in boosting the confidence of sailors, enhancing their understanding, and refining the precise execution of these formidable capabilities.
He remarked, “The successful execution of these significant training activities substantially aligns with the overarching goals of ‘Exercise Pagbubuklod,’ which is to maximize the utilization of assets and equipment, train personnel, and develop tactics and procedures that ensure operational success.”
According to Badidles, this training initiative also seeks to validate the organizational structure, operational concepts, and published doctrines, all while addressing current and prospective scenarios within the operational areas.
‘Balanced manner’
In another presser Friday, Teodoro said the Philippines intends to maintain its activities in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) to safeguard its sovereignty but “these operations will be carried out in a “balanced manner in anticipation of potential increased challenges from China.”
“We are carefully managing our ‘sovereignty operations’ in light of the possibility of more significant incidents that we wish to avoid. Therefore, we are meticulously planning our actions. However, it is evident that we cannot simply withdraw from our maritime territory, Teodoro said.
When asked about the potential for heightened tensions in the WPS, he stated that they are preparing for various scenarios.
Teodoro also stressed that any activities in the WPS, including upcoming resupply missions, will be executed with great care to prevent escalating tensions or conflicts and to protect the nation’s best interests. He made it clear that these efforts would not be undertaken recklessly to avoid any conflicts.
Furthermore, Teodoro reaffirmed the DND’s unwavering commitment to the country’s sovereignty, as directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., stating, “The President’s guidance remains unchanged, and we will remain resolute in upholding our sovereignty.”
(Amigo Ismael/mnm)
