AFP denies involvement regarding China’s 'new model' claim

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday denied that the Western Command (WESCOM) had agreed with the Chinese Embassy on the "new model" for managing the situation at the Ayungin Shoal. 

In a statement, the AFP said it is a professional organization that operates within the framework of the Philippine government and in accordance with national policies. 

With this, “any agreements or arrangements with other nations require the involvement and approval of the appropriate government agencies and officials, such as the Department of National Defense and the National Security Advisor.” 

The statement comes after the Chinese Embassy said that the AFP WESCOM made an agreement with China for managing the situation at the Ayungin Shoal, which was approved by the Philippine government, including the Department of National Defense.

“To follow up on the important consensus between the two heads-of-state to deescalate tension in the South China Sea, the Chinese side and the Philippine side through AFP WESCOM agreed on a ‘new model’ for the management of the situation at Ren'ai Jiao early this year after multiple rounds of discussions,” it said.

However, National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo Año on Sunday called the claim “absolutely absurd, ludicrous, and preposterous,” and noted that China can never deceive the Filipino people with their fabricated stories, bluffs, and fake exchanges of communication just to support their illegal claim of Philippine territory. 

The Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of National Defense also denied any involvement in the supposed agreement with China. 

Civic Action Projects

Meanwhile, in the same statement, AFP announced that the Humanitarian Civic Action Projects across Ilocos Norte, Cagayan, La Union, and Palawan have all wrapped up.

“AFP and U.S. troops also delivered modernized medical and dental equipment and school supplies worth more than $100,000 or more than P5.7 Million to local communities,” it said. 

Moreover, the AFP is also preparing for the upcoming Maritime Strike Exercise with its United States counterparts on May 8, 2024, at the La Paz Sand Dunes in Laoag, Ilocos Norte. 

It added that several AFP, U.S., and Australian Defense Force platforms will integrate to sense and shoot a decommissioned ship simultaneously. —Sherylin Untalan/ VAL, GMA Integrated News