Not an act of war, Malaya says of latest aggression in WPS

National Security Council (NSC) Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya on Monday expressed belief that the latest aggression of China in Scarborough Shoal and Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea was not an act of war.

Malaya said the incidents were just part of the ''cat-and-mouse'' game being perpetrated by Beijing in the region to elevate its own interest. 

''The actions that they have shown in the past few days really have shown a desire on their part to escalate situations. And primarily because there has been significant damage to Philippine vessels in terms of their navigation equipment, in terms of communications equipment, and in terms of engine of the M/L Kalayaan. So, we are taking this very seriously,'' Malaya said at a Palace press briefing.

''But is this an act of war? We don’t think so. This is just part of the cat-and-mouse game that China seems to be utilizing to further its own interests. On the part of the Philippines, as we have repeatedly said, we shall remain undeterred and we will continue to conduct these missions in support of our troops and our fishermen wherever they may be in the West Philippine Sea,'' he added. 

For his part, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Colonel Medel Aguilar said that it was just a regular rotation and resupply (RORE) mission for the security forces. 

''Of course, there were contingencies prepared because of the presence of the Chief of Staff. But, he was there to experience himself first hand, what China is doing to our RORE mission,'' Aguilar said. 

''And he was there also because he was sent to convey the message of the President to our troops that are manning BRP Sierra Madre... because some of our troops there will be there for Christmas or New Year,'' he added. 

The NTF-WPS over the weekend reported the harassment and dangerous maneuvers by the China Coast Guard (CCG) and the Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) on the resupply mission.

The task force said the CCG and the CMM vessels “harassed, blocked, and executed dangerous maneuvers” against Philippine vessels on Sunday morning while they were on a RORE mission to the ship stationed at the Ayungin Shoal.

“CCG vessel 5204 deployed a water cannon against the Philippine supply vessels causing severe damage to M/L Kalayaan’s engines, disabling the vessel and seriously endangering the lives of its crew,” the task force said in a statement.

“Additionally, BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) suffered damage to its mast after being directly targeted by the full strength of the water cannon of the China Coast Guard,” it added.

The Philippines already lodged a diplomatic protest over the incident. Further, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian would be summoned this afternoon as part of the protest.—AOL, GMA Integrated News