From CNN Philippines (Aug 10, 2023): AFP to deploy reservists, increase maritime presence in WPS (By CNN Philippines Staff)
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 10) – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is looking at tapping naval reservists to increase presence in the West Philippine Sea, Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner said.
“Parte nung reserve force development natin [part of our reserve force development], when you say reserve force it's not just land based forces. We are also trying to develop our reservists who will also be able to operate in the sea,” Brawner told the media at a press conference in Palawan on Thursday.
He added that the AFP is looking into training fisherfolk as reservists to better aid in defense and to enhance presence in contested waters.
“It's already being implemented. We have established already these reserve units but we are going to wait for the platforms or the vessels na gagamitin nila [that they will use],” he said.
The military is also looking to increase the deployment of seafaring vessels and aircraft, Brawner said.
The AFP said the initiative includes refurbishing the BRP Sierra Madre and other troop bases in the West Philippine Sea, if the military is granted more funding.
Meanwhile, Brawner said he will attend the Chief of Defense Forces meeting in Fiji next week, where over 20 countries – China included – will send defense representatives.
He said that the meeting would cover the promotion of rules-based order over the Indo-Pacific region and the establishment of joint patrols in the West Philippine Sea, the details of which are now being arranged.
These developments come after the Chinese coast guard fired a water cannon at a Philippine vessel during a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre on Saturday.
As of this writing, over 400 foreign vessels have been sighted in the West Philippine Sea, 85% of which were Chinese, the military said.
https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/8/10/afp-maritime-reservists-ph-presence-wps.html
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