Zubiri: Modernizing AFP, Coast Guard ‘imperative’ amid tension on WPS

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri has called for the modernization of both the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) amid rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) through the new laws on procurement.

Zubiri in a statement on Friday said that condemning China’s intrusive and aggressive actions in the WPS is no longer enough, as Chinese maritime forces seem bent on violating the Philippines’ sovereign rights over its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

“Modernizing our Armed Forces, especially our Navy and Coast Guard, has now become imperative with the recent and brazen act of aggression and violence coming from the Chinese maritime authorities who continue to violate our territory and exclusive economic zone in the West Philippines Sea,” Zubiri said.

“Condemning China is no longer enough. Nakita naman po natin sa mga nirelease na video kung paanong kinawawa, pinagtulungan at parang kinuyog ang ating mga magigiting na sundalo, isa po ay nagtamo pa ng seryosong pinsala sa katawan,” he added.

(We saw in the videos that were released how they mocked, harassed, and swarmed our brave soldiers, leading to one personnel sustaining injuries.)

According to Zubiri, it seems China is not affected by the condemnation it receives from the international community.

“Even with a large sector of the international community standing firmly behind us, China remains unfazed. They clearly intend to continue strong-arming their way into our territory and EEZ,” Zubiri said.

“Moving forward with our forces’ modernization program is the only way to go. Hindi man natin kayang tapatan ang lakas ng China, madadagdagan natin ang ating puwersa sa pagpapatrolya ng West Philippine Sea,” he added.

(We may not be able to match the military might of China, but we can increase our force in patrolling the West Philippine Sea.)

At least eight Philippine Navy sailors were injured when China’s maritime force boarded a Philippine inflatable boat last Monday, seizing the firearms of the Navy personnel. One of the sailors got his thumb cut off after the incident.

The Navy sailors were providing assistance to the rotation and resupply (Rore) mission to Ayungin Shoal, where troops are stationed.

READ: China ships ram, tow PH vessels at Ayungin 

According to the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea, Chinese ships also rammed and towed the Philippine vessels, causing damage and endangering the lives of Filipino sailors.

Different personalities have already condemned China’s actions over the WPS. United States Ambassador MaryKay Carlson called China out on Monday for its aggressive maneuvers in the area, which has caused “bodily injury” against naval personnel. Senate President Francis Escudero meanwhile said Philippine authorities must find other means to deal with China amid continuously rising tension in the WPS.

According to Zubiri, the Senate has already allocated P6 billion for the AFP and P2.8 billion for the PCG in 2024 — funds that should be released for both agencies to use immediately.

The passage and eventual enactment of the New Government Procurement Act should also be maximized in procuring items for the AFP and PCG.

“We have also already approved the New Government Procurement Act, and we expect that its looming passage will help us fast-track the purchase of much-needed equipment for our brave soldiers, who are risking their lives for the sovereignty of our beloved nation,” Zubiri said.

“The budget is ready, and the law is coming. I call on all government stakeholders to act with utmost urgency in setting our modernization plans into motion, so we can set up a stronger defense of the West Philippine Sea,” he added.

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