AFP to deploy more naval assets to WPS amid Chinese presence at Julian Felipe Reef

The Armed Forces of the Philippines will deploy more naval assets to the West Philippine Sea to increase military visibility and prevent incursion in the disputed territory following reports of at least 183 Chinese vessels moored at Julian Felipe Reef (Whitsun Reef).

During the Commission on Appointments (CA) National Defense panel hearing, Senator Risa Hontiveros asked AFP Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana about the Philippine military’s actions on the reported presence of Chinese vessels in the area.

“I directed the Philippine Navy to deploy additional naval assets to the West Philippine Sea to increase our visibility and ensure the security and safety of our fishermen, of course, our marine resources and the integrity of our territory,” Sobejana responded to the lawmaker.

The AFP chief added that the military is upholding their mandate to protect the Philippine territory and they are not tolerating this kind of activities in the West Philippine Sea.

“We do not tolerate incursions in our territorial waters from anybody. So we stand or uphold our mandate,” Sobejana said.

The AFP chief also told the CA panel that the military is assessing the formation of the Chinese vessels, saying the Chinese boats “are forming a phalanx.”

The AFP is assessing the situation together with the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea and other concerned departments, Sobejana said.

“Whatever assessments we came out or we come out, that will dictate our subsequent action, but initially as what I’ve said, we deployed additional naval assets to that area,” he added.

Last Monday, the AFP confirmed that at least 183 Chinese militia vessels remained moored off Julian Felipe Reef.

The Philippine Foreign Affairs Department has already filed a new diplomatic protest against China over the matter.

Sobejana faced the CA on Wednesday for the confirmation of his nomination to the rank of general.

His nomination was confirmed along with 32 other senior military officials’ ad interim appointments and nominations. — Hana Bordey/BM, GMA News