Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. dismissed anew claims that the military has been a willing participant in the "new model" agreement reportedly reached with China, as part of efforts to reduce tensions in Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
"The AFP will not dignify the claim of the Chinese Embassy in Manila that our organization has agreed to a 'new model' for conduct in the Ayungin Shoal. China’s claim of an audio recording allegedly between (Western Command chief) Vice Admiral (Alberto) Carlos and a Chinese diplomat does not merit significant concern as it appears to be a malign influence effort from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)," he said in a statement Wednesday night.
WATCH US and Philippine forces sink a decommissioned China-made Philippine Navy ship on Wednesday during West Philippine Sea war games simulating an attack on an enemy vessel. AFP VIDEO
The Chinese Embassy in Manila earlier claimed that Carlos has agreed to the "new model" agreement with permission from ranking Philippine government officials.
In the alleged recording, Carlos was talking with an unidentified Chinese diplomat on how to conduct the rotation and resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal, where a Marine detachment is manning the BRP Sierra Madre (LS-57), can proceed without interference.
"Transcripts can easily be fabricated, and audio recordings can be manufactured by using deep fakes. These reports only aim to serve as a distraction from the China Coast Guard’s ongoing aggressive behavior in the WPS," Brawner noted.
He added that the AFP remains a professional organization despite these allegations.
"We urge the public and the media to handle such reports with care and to avoid spreading unverified information that could further escalate tensions or mislead public opinion," Brawner said.
Carlos went on personal leave starting May 7, with Rear Adm. Alfonso Torres Jr. of the Naval Education, Training and Training Command taking command over Wescom in an acting capacity.
The AFP earlier said Carlos' leave has nothing to do with the issue.
Plain ‘disinformation’
Senator Jinggoy Estrada on Thursday also denounced the alleged recorded audio communication between a Chinese diplomat and a high-ranking Filipino military official as "nothing but another apparent disinformation campaign by the Chinese government."
In a statement, the chairperson of the Senate Committee on National Defense further called it a "trap" to divert attention from China's claims and aggression against Philippine vessels in the WPS.
"China’s claim is nothing more than smoke and mirrors. We will not be swayed by falsehoods," Estrada said.
The Chinese Embassy earlier said the Western Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines made an agreement with China on the “new model” for managing the situation at the Ayungin Shoal to ease the tensions in WPS.
"Ayungin Shoal is an integral part of our exclusive economic zone and this has been already upheld by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague in 2016," Estrada emphasized.
He called on the Filipino troops to "remain loyal to the flag that represents our nation’s sovereignty" and "be vigilant against any underhanded tactics that may weaken our position."
Estrada also called for unity in defending the country's territorial rights "as our strength lies in our unity."
Diplomacy still best approach
Lawmakers at the House of Representatives on Thursday said the best way to respond to China's continued aggression in the WPS is still through diplomatic means.
In a press conference, TINGOG Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre said the OCTA survey result showing that 72 percent of Filipinos prefer diplomacy in addressing the WPS issue indicates mass support for the policies of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“That's a good indicator of how much trust the President and the administration has in pursuing a diplomatic solution … we're still pursuing the diplomatic channels … Kung nakikita niyo, palaging naghahain tayong diplomatic protest, pero (As you can see, we are still filing diplomatic protests, but) at the same time we also making sure that we are capable of defending our boundaries,” Acidre said.
The recent survey also found that about 73 percent of the respondents said the current administration should assert the Philippines' territorial rights in the WPS through military action, which includes expanded naval patrols and troop presence in the disputed areas.
Acidre said the survey results reflect the Filipino people's consensus on the importance of defending and upholding the country's sovereignty against foreign intrusion, whether through diplomatic or military action.
Manila Rep. Ernesto Dionisio Jr. said multilateral talks with countries who have a similar situation as the Philippines also form part of the diplomatic solution.
“Hindi natin gusto ng giyera. Pero (We don't want war. But) it is our right to defend the sovereignty of our country. Kaya ‘yung mga sinasabi ng iba na maliit tayo, hindi natin kaya ang China, meron tayong mga kakampi, (That's why those who say that we're small, that we can't stand up to China, we have allies), like-minded countries who are willing to support our country,” Dionisio said.
Isabela Rep. Faustino Dy, for his part, assured that Congress would consider increasing the funding for improved surveillance and other capabilities for the Philippine Coast Guard and other relevant agencies.
“Kinakailangan po nila ng mas marami pang suporta para mas magawa nila nang mas maayos ang kanilang mga katungkulan (They need more support so that they could effectively fulfill their duties),” Dy said. Marcos earlier said the Philippines would not use water cannons to retaliate against China’s continued harassment in the WPS.
The President stressed that it was not the country’s mission to increase tension in the disputed waters.
He said the Philippines would continue to file diplomatic protests to address China’s aggression in the WPS.
WPS new model probe
Acidre, meanwhile, stressed the need for a thorough investigation into the origins and motive behind the alleged recorded audio communication between a Chinese diplomat and a high-ranking Filipino military official regarding the “new model agreement” on the Ayungin Shoal in the WPS.
In the alleged recording, Western Command chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos was talking with an unidentified Chinese diplomat on how to conduct the rotation and resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal, where a Marine detachment is manning the BRP Sierra Madre (LS-57), can proceed without interference.
“Bakit lumalabas ang mga ganitong misinformation or mga wiretapping? Nagpapakita lang na medyo act of desperation na po ito, ano, para to muddle the entire issue (Why is this kind of misinformation or wiretapping surfacing? This just shows an act of desperation to muddle the entire issue),” Acidre said.
Dy called the alleged wiretapping incident a breach of trust and a violation of Philippine laws.
He said whoever is responsible for the wiretapping or recording of the conversation should face consequences for their actions.
Regarding the next steps, Dy deferred to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to handle the investigation.
“Again, I will leave it to our DFA on how to proceed ito pong investigation na ito (with this investigation),” he said. PNA
Comments