AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. (PNA file photo by Priam F. Nepomuceno)
MANILA – Strengthening and modernizing the country's military came to the fore amid rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
In a radio interview on Tuesday, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo R. Brawner Jr. called on lawmakers to help realize the modernization program.
"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 (What is important now is that we strengthen the AFP, so we are calling on our senators, our congressmen, to support the modernization program of the AFP. We need to buy additional ships and jet fighters)," Brawner said.
Brawner said Manila cannot use Beijing'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 (There is no need to invoke the MDT yet. It is for worse attacks like a deliberate attack on our Philippine ships or in our territory. That would necessitate the invocation of the MDT)," he added.
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 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).
The other supply boat, Unaiza May 1, completed the delivery to the troops aboard BRP Sierra Madre.
National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said China's provocative actions are increasing tensions in the WPS.
Support from several nations poured in for the Philippines while condemnation rained on China.
Both the Philippines and China filed diplomatic protests over the incident. (PNA)
