Chief of Staff Romeo S. Brawner Jr. reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to protect the Philippines' maritime domains, particularly the contested West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Amid the celebration of DZRH's 85th anniversary, Brawner highlighted the government's efforts towards defending the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) against China's "illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive operations."
"Tuloy tuloy po yung ating kampnya dito dahil klarong klaro po yung utos ng ating pangulo ng ating Commander in Chief na si President Ferdinand "Bong Bong" Marcos Jr.—we will not give up a square inch of our territory," said the AFP Chief during an interview with Lakay Deo Macalma in Damdaming Bayan.
Brawner noted that the AFP bravely continues its maritime operations, protecting the EEZ and the Filipino fisherfolk despite China's aggression in the WPS.
He also maintains the country's adherence to international laws such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Brawner said the government is establishing a "deterrent posture" through a modernization program such as new Philippine ships, helicopters, and missile systems.
"Sa atin pay wala naman pong ma gusto ng gera, kaya ang pinaka-objective natin ay maiwasan ang gera, Brawner said.
Meanwhile, Brawner clarified that the Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites were not built to attract tension from other countries but rather to utilize this for humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
"Hindi po natin masasabing magnet ito dahil kung mayroon mang may balak na sumakop sa atin hindi lang naman po yung mga EDCA sites e, even the sit of government yan po ang natural na target nila," he asserted.
In 2014, EDCA was designed to boost security cooperation between the Philippines and the United States (US). This provides the increased rotational presence of US troops in 'agreed locations' in the Philippines.
