DFA not in talks with China about joint patrols, says Manalo

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has yet to be involved in any discussion as regards joint patrols, Secretary Enrique Manalo said on Friday.

Manalo made the remark when asked about Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff General Romeo Brawner's disclosure on China's supposed offer.

Asked if he had similar discussions with his Chinese counterpart, Manalo said, "I don't know. I'm not involved with my counterpart."

"We have to see first... what they're proposing before we can even make a recommendation," Manalo said in an interview with the DFA Press Corps.

Brawner on Thursday said that China had offered to hold joint military exercises with the Philippines.

He said he would study the offer presented to him by China's ambassador to Manila, Huang Xilian, on the sidelines of an event to mark the anniversary of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

"They said they submitted some white papers, so we will have to study," Brawner told reporters, adding that his discussion with Chinese officials on the matter at the event was "informal."

AFP spokesperson Colonel Medel Aguilar said he did see a video of Brawner's interview and reiterated the conversation he had with the Chinese diplomat was "informal." —NB/KG, GMA Integrated News