AFP says ready to support Coast Guard in West PH Sea

MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it is ready to support law enforcement in the West Philippine Sea even as it maintained that it will practice maximum tolerance in “addressing challenges from foreign forces.” 

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AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla on Monday said the military is ready to support the Philippine Coast Guard and other maritime law enforcement agencies in their operations.

“The AFP supports the maritime law enforcement operation of the PCG and other maritime law enforcement agencies. For our part, any challenges faced from foreign forces are addressed with utmost professionalism and we will practice maximum tolerance,” Padilla told reporters in a Viber message.

The AFP’s statement followed the latest incident between Philippine and Chinese vessels in Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal.

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Manila on Sunday accused the China Coast Guard of attempting to block the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ BRP Datu Sanday, which was delivering supplies to fishermen near Bajo de Masinloc. The incident happened on February 22, according to the PCG.

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Padilla stressed that the military will remain committed to protecting the country’s people and territory.

“The AFP commits in fulfilling its mandate to protect its people and territory. We will assert our presence in the WPS to protect our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and national interests,” she said.

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