AFP still performing tasks despite Chinese presence off Ayungin

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 19): AFP still performing tasks despite Chinese presence off Ayungin

Despite the presence of two Chinese surveillance vessels off Ayungin Shoal, the Armed Forces of the Philippines is still able to perform its mandated tasks and activities.

"We (are still able) to perform our routine activities not just in Ayungin Shoal but also in our other islands," AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista said.

These tasks include the transport of relief soldiers to Philippine-owned portions of the Spratlys and resupply of the latter.

"We do that (resupply and rotation of soldiers) on a regular basis," he stated.

Bautista stressed that the last rotation of personnel and resupply mission only took place early this month.

The AFP chief also added that they did not experience any blockade or interference from the Chinese.

He stressed that the AFP will remain non-confrontational as long as the Chinese presence do not hamper their movements.

"As long as they don't hamper our movements, we don't see a problem," the AFP chief, adding that the presence of the military in the area is show that it is owned by the Philippines.

He added that they will continue this showing of the flag mission to show to the world that the area is under the jurisdiction of the country.

And since the Philippines is advocating the use of diplomacy in resolving the disputes in the Spratlys, Bautista said the AFP is adopting a non-confrontational stance since it does not want any conflict with other claimants.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=535903