AFP denies BRP Sierra Madre crew pointed guns at CCG

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) rejected China’s accusations that personnel stationed aboard the BRP Sierra Madre in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) pointed guns at the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG).

“Nakausap po natin ang mga sundalo natin sa BRP Sierra Madre, hindi nila tinutukan ang mga Chinese," said AFP Chief-of-Staff Romeo Brawner Jr. said in Chino Gaston’s Monday “24 Oras” report. "Hindi nila tinaas ang kanilang mga armas para tutukan ang Chinese, hawak-hawak nila because of the right to self  defense.”

(We talked with our servicemen and they denied pointing their rifles at the Chinese. They didn't raise their weapons but just held them because of the right to self-defense.)

Chinese state media earlier claimed that at least two personnel onboard the Filipino vessel allegedly pointed firearms in the direction of the CCG.

Brawner said the military personnel were entitled to carry firearms and that the rubber boats of the CCG approached and came close to the Philippine ship.

“Lumapit nang masyadong malapit ang mga Chinese sa BRP Sierra Madre,” said Brawner Jr.

“Meron tayong rules of engagement na sinusunod. Kapag may ganyan na nakikita  nila na maaaring threat they have the right to defend themselves. We  have to remember that the  BRP Sierra Madre is a commissioned navy  vessel and it is authorized to have crew served weapons and individual  weapons nung ating mga sundalo,” he added.

(We have rules of engagement that we follow. If they see a possible threat, they have the right to defend themselves. We have to remember that the  BRP Sierra Madre is a  commissioned Navy vessel and it is authorized to have crew-served  weapons and individual weapons.)

The Philippines will file a diplomatic protest against China.

“’Yung isang drop natin kinonfiscate ng mga Chinese. Ginawa nila gamit ang  rubber boat o RIB. Inunahan tayo, kinonfiscate nila, binuksan nila  tiningnan kung ano ang laman, at noong nakita na pagkain lang naman,  tulad ng sachet ng kape at kung ano-anong food supply, tinapon nila sa  dagat,” the AFP chief added.

(They confiscated one of our supply drops. They deployed a rubber boat and when they saw the airdrop  only contained food, they threw it into the ocean.)

GMA Integrated News sought comment from the Chinese Embassy.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea, including parts claimed by the  Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.

The section of the sea that is within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone was renamed the West Philippine Sea.

In 2016, an international arbitration tribunal in the Hague said China's claims had no legal basis. Beijing has rejected the decision. — Sundy Locus/DVM, GMA Integrated News