The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday maintained that the country is not seeking conflict with any nation in defending its claims in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), following Vice President Sara Duterte’s call for the government to avoid confrontation with China.
AFP spokesperson for the WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said the military is merely protecting the country’s territory and upholding its rights under the 2016 Arbitral Award, DZRH's Edniel Parrosa reported.
“Tayo lamang ay tumatayo sa ating karapatan, pinakaloob ng Diyos sa atin. ‘Yung ating maritime entitlements, ‘yung ating sovereignty and sovereign rights by merely standing up for what is rightfully and legally ours,” Trinidad said during a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
“We are not fighting any other country, ito ay tinatayuan natin sapagkat ito ay mandato ng inyong DND at AFP,” he added.
Trinidad’s remarks came after Duterte stressed the importance of maintaining friendly relations with China despite the ongoing territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea.
Speaking before overseas Filipino workers in Hong Kong on Sunday, the vice president urged the government to avoid actions that could lead to confrontation with China, emphasizing the need to preserve diplomatic ties between the two countries.
The AFP spokesperson also addressed Duterte’s comparison of the firearms held by Filipinos and those of their adversaries, reiterating that the military’s actions are guided by its mandate to protect the country’s national territory and maritime rights.
