AFP backs Gibo on cutting comms with China military

MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines has expressed full support for Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr.’s decision to cut military-to-military communications with China.

The AFP made its position known in response to the Chinese embassy’s statement Monday night criticizing how Teodoro “decided to shut down” military-to-military communication between China and the Philippines “for political self interests.”

AFP spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, retired rear admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, said the military “stands solidly behind and firmly support the statement or the action of the (Secretary of National Defense) to suspend direct communication channels with the People’s Republic of China.”

“For communication mechanisms to work they have to be anchored on mutual trust, sincerity and support for international law. Bilateral dialogue will be effective if the messages matched the actions on sea, air and ground. Unfortunately this has not been the case,” he said.

“The direct communications has been used as a smokescreen by the Chinese Communist Party to perpetuate their illegal presence, coercive and aggressive actions and deceptive messaging not only on our maritime domain but even on land,” Trinidad said.

“Hence, the AFP fully supports and stands with the action of the (Secretary of National Defense) to suspend direct communication channels with the People’s Republic of China,” he added.

Trinidad declared that the AFP will continue to perform its mandate of patrolling the seas and “will keep performing our RORE (rotation and resupply) missions.”

“BRP Sierra Madre will remain a commissioned vessel of the Philippine Navy on Ayungin Shoal,” he said, adding that “the Filipino people could be assured that the AFP will ensure that our flag remains flying high and proud over our maritime domain.”

Reacting to Teodoro’s declaration, Palace press officer Claire Castro said the Philippines remains committed to maintaining its diplomatic and economic relations with Beijing and has no intention of severing ties with the Asian power.

“Perhaps it would be best to ask Secretary Gibo for specific details regarding that matter. But we are definitely not closing the door on our relationship with China. That’s not what the President wants,” Castro said.

“There is no prohibition in dealing with China in relation to trade and investment. Alam naman natin iyan (We are aware of that). And we are also dealing with China in a very diplomatic manner,” she said.

Castro reiterated that the Marcos government continues to engage Beijing while protecting the country’s sovereignty and national interests in the West Philippine Sea.

“We continue to engage with China, as we hope to sustain our strong trade and investment relationship with the country,” the Palace press officer emphasized. –  Helen Flores