AFP eyes more external defense assets to boost security at Bajo de Masinloc

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 23) — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday committed to beef up its external defense assets this year following the China Coast Guard’s (CCG) latest harassment of Filipino fishermen at Bajo de Masinloc.

“For the Philippine Navy, since nagdi-dwindle na 'yung internal security operations natin (our internal security operations are dwindling), then we can allocate more resources for our external defense. So we’ll have more assets of our Navy circling around the area,” AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla told CNN Philippines’ The Source.

Manila on Monday condemned the CCG’s latest action, with an official calling on Beijing to implement its commitment to de-escalate tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

The Philippine Coast Guard said members of the CCG “disembarked” from their rubber boats and went after Filipino fishermen in the area to ask them to return to the sea the seashells they gathered. One of the Chinese personnel was also documented grabbing the Filipinos' fishing boat and preventing them from leaving unless their demands are followed.

Padilla said the AFP hopes to implement enhanced security in the disputed waters as soon as authorities are able to eliminate insurgency in the country within the year.

“We will ensure that the Filipinos can freely enjoy our aquatic resources, especially in this traditional fishing grounds, so we are hoping that China Coast Guard will respect this,” she said.

The AFP has also been coordinating with the PCG to determine how it can further support the latter’s operations, she added.

Padilla said the AFP will also start developing the country’s nine territorial features to improve living conditions of troops manning the area. She said this program is already part of their 2024 budget.

One of the items needed by Filipino troops is a desalination machine, which is crucial especially for those stationed at BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal.

Prior to this, some senators have called for the installation of infrastructure in the disputed areas, specifically on Ayungin Shoal due to China’s increasing aggression.