DND orders probe into alleged China harassment of Philippine TV crew in West Philippine Sea

The Department of National Defense (DND) has ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines to conduct an investigation into China’s alleged harassment on a Filipino television crew in the West Philippine Sea.

In a statement issued Friday, DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said the Armed Forces Western Command was instructed to validate all information regarding the reported incident.

“The Defense Department has directed the AFP through its Western Command to investigate, gather, and validate all the relevant facts on the incident,” he said.

Andolong said the result of the probe will be used to coordinate any appropriate action through the National Task Force West Philippines.

The DND, the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Transportation, and other agencies will also coordinate for appropriate action.

“We are concerned for the safety of anyone — unarmed civilians — at sea.  As such, we view the report with concern,” he said.

A Filipino vessel with an ABS-CBN television crew on board was reportedly chased by  Chinese vessels while on its way to Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal), which is about 105 nautical miles from Palawan and part of the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

Concerned 

Military spokesperson Major General Edgard Arevalo said the Armed Forces is also concerned about the incident.

“The AFP expresses concern over the report of an alleged harassment by Chinese PLA Navy vessels and a Chinese Coast Guard vessel as reported by a team of journalist on board a watercraft within our EEZ,” Arevalo said.

The AFP has already requested for a copy of the raw footage or photographs of the incident from the concerned news reporter, he said.

Likewise, Arevalo said the AFP appeals to journalists “to exercise prudence in the course of their job.”

“We have accommodated members of media in our ships and aircraft to do their coverage so they can be protected while in the practice of their profession,” he said.

But Arevalo assured the public that the AFP is being forthright and transparent with its reports about the situation in the Philippine territory.

“Amidst the situation, the AFP reiterates its commitment to follow the dictates of the Constitution to protect the people and secure our sovereignty and sovereign rights,” he added. — RSJ, GMA News