MANILA, Philippines – Sinabi ng Embassy of China to the Philippines na nagkasundo umano ang Armed Forces of the Philippines — Western Command (AFP WESCOM) at Chinese authorities sa “new model” sa pangangasiwa ng dalawang bansa sa Ayungin Shoal.
Ayon sa hindi pinangalanang tagapagsalita ng embahada, ang “bagong modelo” umano ay inaprubahan ng mga opisyal ng Department of National Defense (DND) at National Security Advisor.
“[T]he Chinese side and the Philippine side through the AFP WESCOM agreed on a ‘new model’ for the management at Ren’ai Jiao (Ayungin Shoal) early this year after multiple rounds of discussion,” pahayag ng tagapagsalita.
“During the discussion, the AFP WESCOM has made repeated confirmation that the ‘new model’ has been approved by all key officials in the Philippine chain of command, including the Secretary of National Defense and the National Security Advisor,” dagdag pa niya.
Noong Abril 27, sinabi ni Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro na hindi aware ang DND sa anumang kasunduan sa China kaugnay ng isyu.
“The Department of National Defense is not aware of, nor is it a party to, any internal agreement with China on Ayungin Shoal since President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., took office,” saad sa pahayag ni Teodoro.
Itinanggi rin ng National Security Council ang sinasabi ng China na bagong modelo.
“As Ayungin Shoal is a part of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Philippines, we cannot agree to any such understanding that violates the Philippine constitution or international law,” ayon sa NSC. RNT/JGC
