Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of workers Gen. Romeo Brawner talks to reporters in Makati Metropolis on August 22, 2025. — Picture by Gabryelle Dumalag
MANILA, Philippines — Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of workers Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Friday mentioned the navy stays on guard at Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, warning that the loss of life of a Filipino would represent a “pink line” within the face of heightened Chinese language presence.
“They’re nonetheless there. We’re repeatedly monitoring their actions,” Brawner advised reporters in Makati Metropolis, referring to Chinese language vessels lingering close to the grounded BRP Sierra Madre. “Our steerage to our troops is most tolerance and to nonetheless observe the rule of regulation. Let China violate worldwide regulation. So long as we’re right here, we’ll stay in our publish.”
Requested what would set off a stronger response, Brawner pointed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s earlier directive: “If somebody dies, a Filipino, that’s the pink line.”
He declined to enter operational particulars however harassed the AFP has contingency plans in place. “We’re all the time prepared for any eventuality,” he mentioned.
Brawner additionally mentioned his orders had been clear within the occasion of an tried boarding of the Sierra Madre: “We are going to forestall them from doing so. By boarding our ship, it’s like coming into our territory. Beneath the principles of engagement, we’ll apply the suitable drive, contemplating the scenario.”
READ: Philippine Navy: Chinese language strikes close to Ayungin Shoal ‘uncommon’
Upholding sovereignty
Regardless of China’s deployment of ships with high-caliber weapons circling Ayungin Shoal, Brawner emphasised the AFP’s dedication to defend the garrisoned outpost.
“The symbolism of BRP Sierra Madre is that we’re asserting our proper to our unique financial zone,” he mentioned. “Even when we’re simply on rubber boats towards larger ships, we’ll proceed to push them outward as a result of we gained’t permit them to get shut.”
The AFP chief mentioned the scenario stays tense however has not escalated into violent clashes. No further troops have been deployed to date, with the navy awaiting steerage from the Nationwide Process Pressure on the West Philippine Sea.
Brawner assured that resupply missions to the Sierra Madre would proceed.
“We have to deal with our troopers…As a result of what our troopers are doing in BRP Sierra Madre is tough. And I’m pleased with our troopers as a result of although what occurred in Ayungin Shoal is harmful, and but they proceed to serve with dignity,” he mentioned. /das
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