AFP: Fewer China militia vessels seen in WPS amid Balikatan

The number of Chinese maritime militia vessels shadowing Philippine naval vessels during the Balikatan military exercise in the West Philippine Sea dropped to 88 from 110.

According to Ivy Hernando's Tuesday GMA Regional TV One North Central Luzon report, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said that aside from the four People's Liberation Army Navy vessels that sailed of Tawi-Tawi, no Chinese research vessel were monitored this week.

"We do all of this monitoring. Tinitignan naman natin kung ano talaga yung (we're looking into their) actions which merits also a counter-reaction. But this was an innocent passage, and as long as we are able to monitor it and the Navy is confirming it, so we leave it at that as of this time," said Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla, Group Commander, AFP Media, and Civil Affairs Group. 

"It's very assuring for us that we can monitor all different vessels passing through of those who have an intent that we need to challenge accordingly," said AFP Public Affairs Office chief Colonel Xerxes Trinidad. 

Meanwhile, regarding the water cannon attacks made by the Chinese Coast Guard, the AFP said it would continue to maintain "maximum tolerance" as mandated by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

"You have heard the President speak, we in the AFP follow the chain of command and this is the tall order of the President and we will be abiding by his guidance to the Armed forces of the Philippines," said Padilla. 

'Doesn't merit a response'

She further noted that the Western Command (WESCOM) did not agree to any "new model" or "gentleman's agreement with the Chinese Embassy.

"It's not surprising that the AFP will be dragged into this, but we are one... kahit sino naman ang tanungin niyo (whoever you may ask), nobody is really saying that there's actual truth to this. It doesn't even merit a response from our end," she noted. 

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) likewise said no official from the Marcos Administration entered into any agreement with the Chinese government regarding the Ayungin Shoal.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. earlier said the "new model" claim was a "clear attempt by China to advance another falsehood to divide our people and distract us from their unlawful presence and actions" in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ). 

The National Security Council said there was no reason to investigate WESCOM commander Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos over China's claim.

Moreover, the AFP was 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, US, and Australian Defense Force platforms would integrate to sense and simultaneously shoot at a decommissioned ship. — Sherylin Untalan/DVM, GMA Integrated News