Catapang to AFP: Relay right information regarding China's reclamation work in WPS

From InterAksyon (May 14): Catapang to AFP: Relay right information regarding China's reclamation work in WPS



AFP-CRS chief Brigadier General Joselito Kakilala (left) with AFP chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. Photographed by Jaime Sinapit, Interaksyon.com

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. on Thursday  directed the commander of the AFP-Civil Relations Group (CRS) to intensify its information campaign and make sure it passes on "the truth and right information" to the nation and the world about the reclamation activities of China in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Catapang said the reclamation activities are not only a regional security threat but also a serious environmental threat by destroying delicate marine ecosystems.

"The role of the CRS is very important. It's like a 'Game of Perception'. The CRS has to relay the truth and right information to the people about what's happening in the WPS," Catapang said in his speech during the 64th anniversary celebration of the AFP-CRS at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

Brigadier General Joselito Kakilala is currently the commander of the AFP-CRS. He is also concurrent spokesman of Catapang.

Gen. Catapang issued the statement amid criticism by Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero suggesting that  Catapang should not be the one making public pronouncements about the WPS issue as this is more appropriately the domain of Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

Escudero stressed that the WPS issue with China is a diplomatic matter and not a military one.

But Malacañang is silent so far about the senator's suggestion.

On Monday this week, Catapang, accompanied by journalists, flew to Pagasa Island in the West Philippine Sea to lead a resupply mission and also to visit the troops posted there.

"China is undertaking massive reclamation on Subi Reef, which is ours, just across Pagasa Island. This will soon create friction. But, you know, that reef is ours together with Pagasa and other islets and reefs within the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG), a municipality of Palawan. KIG is our territory and we have to protect. It's our mandate to defend it, and that;s what we have to do," Catapang said.

The visit did not sit well with Beijing, which called Manila a "troublemaker" and rule breaker.

"We're planning something bigger," Catapang said when asked to comment.

"China is entitled to her own opinion," he added, about the name calling.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/110539/catapang-to-afp-relay-right-information-regarding-chinas-reclamation-work-in-wps