Brawner, French envoy discuss enforcing int'l law in West Philippine Sea

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. and French Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel on Tuesday tackled enforcing international law in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

During Fontanel’s courtesy visit at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, Brawner also presented to the ambassador the AFP's priorities and actions in the WPS.

He thanked the French government for its vocal support of the Philippines amid illegal actions by China in the region.

“We appreciate all the support and help that you are giving our government and our armed forces and we are looking forward to more engagements with you," Brawner said.

In October, France also expressed "deep concern" over the collision of Philippine and Chinese vessels near Ayungin Shoal in the WPS.

"France calls for respect of the freedom of navigation guaranteed by international law and recalls its attachment to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the decision rendered by the Arbitral Court on July 12, 2016," the French Embassy said.

In September, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and French President Emmanuel Macron in a phone call discussed territorial and security issues in the WPS.

Marcos also presented the administration's efforts to maintain peace in the region.

“But may I thank France for all the support that you have given us in terms of our shared values, in terms of following the international law, especially UNCLOS (UN Convention on the Law of the Sea) and it has been of great help the messages of support and even when you sent French vessels to come and patrol. So I have thank you, Mr. President, and France,” Marcos told Macron. —KG, GMA Integrated News