MANILA, Philippines- Hindi mapipigilan ng umiigting na aksyon ng China ang Pilipinas sa pagsasagawa nito ng rotation and resupply (RORE) missions sa mga sundalo sa West Philippine Sea (WPS), ayon kay Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. nitong Huwebes.
“That is our obligation and that is our right. We will not leave Ayungin Shoal,” pahayag ni Brawner.
Kasunod ito ng karahasan ng China Coast Guard (CCG) laban sa mga sundalong Pilipino sa June 17 resupply mission sa BRP Sierra Madre sa WPS.
Makikita sa mga larawan at video na inilabas ng AFP na naglunsad ang CCG personnel ng dangerous maneuvers, binangga, at sinalakay ang Philippine rigid-hull rubber boats (RHIBs) sa resupply mission.
Napinsala rin ng CCG troops ang kagamitan ng RHIBs maging ang craft, bukod sa pagbabanta sa Filipino crew members gamit ang matatalim na armas.
Naputulan pa ng daliri ang isang Philippine Navy personnel dahil sa insidente.
“Only pirates do this. Only pirates board, steal, and destroy ships, equipment, and belongings,” giit ni Brawner.
“The good thing is that we fought. The Chinese Coast Guard personnel had bladed weapons and our personnel fought with bare hands. That is what’s important. We were outnumbered and their weapons were unexpected but our personnel fought with everything that they had,” dagdag niya. RNT/SA
