AFP: No imminent threat after instruction to PH troops in case of Taiwan invasion

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday clarified that there was no imminent threat after Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. earlier told Filipino troops to be prepared in case of an invasion of Taiwan amid military exercises by China.

The AFP said Brawner’s statement during the anniversary of the Northern Luzon Command was rooted on the agency’s mandate to protect Filipinos and secure the country’s territory. 

“The guidance was not a response to an imminent threat nor a declaration of heightened alert, but rather a prudent measure to ensure readiness for potential scenarios,” the AFP clarified. 

“Specifically, General Brawner's pronouncement emphasized Non-combatant Evacuation Operations (NEO) preparedness, given the significant presence of approximately 250,000 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Taiwan, ensuring their safety should the situation escalate.” 

Further, the AFP said that it is responsible for conducting “continuous strategic planning to address diverse security scenarios.” 

During his speech earlier in the day, Brawner told Filipino soldiers present in the event: “Start planning for actions in case there is an invasion of Taiwan. So ie-extend na natin 'yung (We will extend our) sphere of operations natin because if something happens to Taiwan, inevitably we will be involved.” 

China's military on Tuesday said it had sent its army, navy, air and rocket forces to surround Taiwan for drills it said were aimed at practicing a blockade of the self-ruled island, according to a report by the Agence France-Presse. 

According to Beijing, the military drills were aimed at sending a "stern warning and forceful deterrence" to alleged separatists in Taiwan.

Tensions continue as Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual shipborne commerce, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News