“We have to stand our ground. Atin ’yan,” Nafarrete says.

Newly appointed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Antonio Nafarrete has directed Filipino troops stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal to “stand our ground” amid renewed tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

The directive came after Nafarrete assumed leadership of the AFP following a recent confrontation between Philippine Navy personnel and the China Coast Guard (CCG) near Ayungin Shoal, where a Filipino serviceman was injured.

In his first media interview after taking oath as the 61st AFP chief, Nafarrete assured that Filipino troops at the BRP Sierra Madre are prepared to perform their duties while following established rules of engagement, according to a report of RH Edniel Parrosa on DZRH's Dos Por Dos.

“Rest assured that we will also do our jobs. And I think they’re ready for it. We have our rules of engagement also,” Nafarrete said.

The AFP chief stressed that Filipino forces remain committed to protecting the country’s maritime interests while adhering to operational protocols in the disputed waters.

Watch the full report below.