Resupply to Ayungin Shoal to continue — AFP chief

ILOCOS NORTE — In a chance interview with General Romeo Brawner Jr., the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, on Sunday, 10 September, at Batac, Ilocos Norte, Brawner reiterated that the armed forces will continue resupplying troops based in Ayungin Shoal regardless of the current military situation.

This comes after Chinese vessels recently tried to block and harass Filipino troops who were on a resupply mission in the West Philippine Sea. Philippine officials condemned the act calling the actions of the Chinese harassment, dangerous maneuvers, and aggressive conduct of the Chinese troops.

"As far as the AFP is concerned, we will continue resupplying our troops, whether sabihin ng China na ipagbabawal nila 'yon (whether China will forbid our resupply mission), we will not concede, still we will continue because it is our right and obligation to support our troops."

According to Brawner, there are nine features that they are occupying in the West Philippine Sea and it is the obligation of the AFP to support the troops living in Ayungin Shoal. He wanted to ensure that their living conditions were good and that their living and sleeping quarters were habitable. He emphasized that regardless of China blocking their resupply missions, what the AFP will do is they will practice maximum tolerance.

"We will not fire our water cannon, kahit na meron tayong mga water cannons (even if we have water cannons), because we follow the international rules-based order."

Meanwhile, Brawner also said that the submarine acquisition for the Philippine Navy is still on the AFP's wish list.

"As far as the AFP is concerned, submarines are in our wish list,"

Brawner admitted that submarines are effective for them, however; the reality, according to Brawner, is that submarines are expensive. Brawner emphasizes that they are looking if it is viable for the Philippines and if the government can pay for it.