MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) belied the allegation that Filipino troops stationed at the BRP Siera Madre in Ayungin Shoal pointed guns at China Coast Guard (CCG) personnel.
In a statement on Tuesday, the AFP said the Filipino troops were just “on guard” against an approaching foreign vessel in the video that was released by a China-based television channel.
“Foreign vessels that venture dangerously close to our military vessel and in violation of safe distance protocols necessitate heightened vigilance and alertness from our personnel,” the AFP said.
“Hence, our troops were seen on guard because of the CCG’s provocative presence near BRP Sierra Madre,” the military added.
The AFP further said they follow the Rules of Engagement and act with the “highest level of professionalism, restraint, and discipline” when safeguarding the country’s sovereign rights.
“The AFP is committed to upholding peace and stability in the region,” it stressed. “Any aggressive actions that threaten this peace and the safety of our troops and stations will be met with the necessary and appropriate measures.”
“The AFP remains resolute in its duty to defend our nation and its people against any threats,” it further said.
According to a report by Chinese news channel CCTV, at least two personnel on the Philippine vessel near the shoal were carrying guns on deck and pointed it in the direction of China Coast Guard.
The CCTV report was accompanied by a 29-second video where a masked man momentarily holding up a blurred black object that resembled a rifle towards the Chinese Coast Guard.
The alleged incident occurred during a Philippine mission to supply troops stationed aboard the BRP Sierra Madre, which was run aground on the Ayungin Shoal./PN
