AFP praised for blocking Chinese ships in West Philippine Sea

MANILA, Philippines — By repelling a reported attempt by the Chinese to board the BRP Sierra Madre over the weekend, the military has “again demonstrated its unyielding spirit in protecting our maritime domain,” lawmakers collectively calling themselves “young guns” said yesterday.

“Under the leadership of Gen. (Romeo) Brawner Jr., our soldiers are the frontline guardians of our sovereignty, and we stand firmly behind them in this critical mission,” La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega V said in a joint statement with House Deputy Speaker and Zambales 1st district Rep. Jay Khonghun, Manila 1st district Rep. Ernix Dionisio, Deputy Majority Leader and Lanao del Sur 1st district Rep. Zia Adiong.

Brawner ordered the troops stationed on Sierra Madre to be on guard against any attempt by the Chinese to board the World War II-era transport ship beached deliberately in 1999 to serve as outpost for a handful of soldiers guarding Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, which is within Philippine waters.

Philippine vessels on resupply missions to the Sierra Madre usually have to play cat and mouse with Chinese ships regularly harassing them.

“This incident is a stark reminder of the ongoing threats to our nation’s interests,” Khonghun said.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), he said, has sent a “powerful message to aggressors that the Philippines will not yield an inch of our territory.”

“We applaud their vigilance and readiness to defend our rights under international law,” he added.

“In this challenging times, their action is not only protecting our seas, but it also gives inspiration in the entire country. The Young Guns fully support the AFP and we are calling for continuous unity to strengthen our defense,” Dionisio, for his part, said.

“We praise the AFP for their disciplined response and for upholding the rule of law in the face of provocation. This is not just about one vessel; it’s about preserving peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. The BRP Sierra Madre embodies our nation’s resolve, and our armed forces deserve the gratitude and full backing of every Filipino,” Adiong said.

Former Surigao del Norte congressman Robert Ace Barbers praised the bravery of Philippine Navy sailors who successfully thwarted the Chinese attempt to board the Sierra Madre, even if the Filipinos were just on rubber boats.

He said the Chinese may be trying to increase their presence around Ayungin Shoal after being embarrassed by an incident near Panatag Shoal recently when two of their ships collided with each other while chasing a Philippine Coast Guard vessel.