12-8-2023 (MANILA) In a resolute move underscoring the nation’s determination, Chief General Romeo Brawner of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) conveyed an unambiguous stance yesterday. This comes as the military charts its course towards reinstating the deployment of AFP vessels to provide escort to maritime vessels transporting crucial supplies to a Marine outpost nestled in the Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal.
The narrative takes us back to a resupply operation on the 5th of August, which was abruptly curtailed when the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) aimed their water cannons at a civilian supply ship, soaking it in an assertive display of maritime dominance.
Amidst this tense theatre of diplomacy, one vessel managed a stealthy transit past the Chinese maritime cordon, accomplishing the critical task of unloading vital provisions for the valiant Filipino troops stationed aboard the grounded BRP Sierra Madre. It’s worth noting that the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ships were also actively engaged in this truncated resupply endeavor.
General Brawner strategically underlines China’s cautious maneuvering, discerning the potential for igniting overt hostilities. This dexterous dance is reflected in their deployment of the CCG rather than their navy to intimidate Filipino civilian vessels. However, it’s imperative to clarify that the CCG operates under the ambit of China’s Central Military Commission, rather than being a mere civilian entity.
General Brawner’s elucidation during a candid interview on CNN Philippines reveals the delicate orchestration of this tense ballet. He reveals, “So in fact, during that resupply mission, we had Navy ships behind the Coast Guard ships who were also behind the smaller boats that we used.” He astutely points out that even employing water cannons against a naval vessel would constitute a provocative act tantamount to “aggressive actions against a military ship and that could be interpreted as an act of war already.”
As we delve deeper into this diplomatic choreography, General Brawner unveils a strategic facet of China’s posturing. He elucidates, “The reason why we believe they used their Chinese Coast Guard ships is because of that, they want to act short of declaring war.” This nuanced positioning underscores a strategic maneuver to preserve a semblance of peace while advancing their interests.
Navigating these tumultuous waters, General Brawner emphasizes that these actions dwell in the ‘gray zone,’ suspended between outright war and diplomatic gestures. They form a careful interplay, a deliberate choreography designed to assert dominance without plunging into the abyss of conflict.
Casting a retrospective glance to 2012, General Brawner reminisces on a close brush with a full-fledged maritime skirmish between the Philippine Navy and the Chinese Navy. An incendiary clash was narrowly averted when a Chinese naval vessel intervened to assist Chinese poachers who had been intercepted by the Philippine Navy on their maritime patrols. General Brawner’s sobering reflection on this incident underscores the wisdom of peace prevailing over a potential confrontation.
General Brawner’s narrative unfurls further, uncovering the constraints of geography. The shallow waters surrounding the Ayungin Shoal make it an inaccessible arena for larger Philippine Navy ships to directly deliver supplies to the BRP Sierra Madre. “Navy boats will have to anchor far from Ayungin and use smaller boats to come near it,” General Brawner explicates, highlighting the tactical adjustments required in these delicate operations.
Breaking new ground, General Brawner’s revelation echoes with strategic evolution. It’s revealed that the military is contemplating deploying maritime militia in the West Philippine Sea. This multifaceted force augmentation aims to bolster the nation’s defensive stance and to equip local fisherfolk with the skills necessary to safeguard their livelihoods in these challenging waters.
Clearing any lingering doubts, General Brawner reaffirms their resolve. “Definitely we are not leaving Ayungin, we are not going to tow our ship that is in Ayungin Shoal,” he reiterates with unwavering determination. The BRP Sierra Madre remains a beacon of service and resilience, emblematic of the commitment to maintaining a strong military presence in the region.
This unfolding saga has invoked a chorus of voices, echoing the sentiment of mutual respect. Senator Bong Go steps into the limelight, beseeching China to uphold the principles of equity and mutual regard between nations, shunning any bullying tactics. A fervent advocate for diplomacy, Senator Go underscores the importance of addressing the maritime tensions through diplomatic avenues. He poignantly asserts that while Filipinos are renowned for their courage, diplomacy remains the beacon of hope in resolving disputes.
Senator Go’s sentiments reverberate within the hallowed halls of the Senate, echoing through his impassioned speech. He propounds, “We passed a resolution. The Senate can only express its sense on the matter – the sense of the Senate, opinion so to speak.” Guided by the diplomatic wisdom of former President Marcos, Senator Go champions a peaceful resolution.
In a tangible demonstration of intent, Senator Go files Senate Bill 2112, a bold initiative to elevate the Philippine Coast Guard’s capabilities. This legislative endeavor seeks to empower the PCG with advanced assets, rendering them more effective in their mission. The overarching objective is to align the PCG with international standards, thereby enhancing their response time in maritime emergencies.
Within this intricate tapestry of maritime discourse, the Philippine Coast Guard’s Vice Admiral Roy Echeverria steps forth. He demystifies the utility of water cannons aboard PCG vessels, clarifying that they are solely designated for firefighting operations at sea. “Water cannons, we always use it only during disasters at sea, especially when there is fire,” he elucidates, underscoring the limited scope of their usage.
Amidst this maritime drama, the Indo-Pacific region takes center stage with the “Alalayan Exercises.” This collaborative endeavour brings together the Philippine Coast Guard and a constellation of 19 government agencies, along with the European Union. The central focus of this intricate operation is to foster coordinated responses to a spectrum of maritime challenges. It’s crucial to note that this exercise had been meticulously planned three months prior and stands independent of recent tensions with China.
As the curtains close on this chapter, the European Union’s political counselor, Frederic Grillet, adds his voice to the discourse. He pledges steadfast support to the Philippine authorities in honing their capabilities. Echoing European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s resolute proclamation, Grillet reiterates the EU’s unwavering commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific underpinned by a rules-based international framework.
Segueing into a transcontinental dimension, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro draws our attention to Australia’s enduring partnership. The Australian ambassador, Hae Kyong Yu, pledges to elevate defense relations and persist in joint undertakings aimed at bolstering regional tranquility and security. This overture finds its roots in the broader ambition of President Marcos to prioritize external defense.
