AFP itinangging 'tinutukan ng baril' China Coast Guard sa Ayungin Shoal | Pilipino Star Ngayon

MANILA, Philippines — Pinasinungalingan ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) ang paratang na tinutukan nila ng baril ang mga kawani ng China Coast Guard (CCG) habang nasa loob ng West Philippine Sea.

Ito ang pahayag ni AFP chief of staff Gen. Romero Brawner Jr. nitong Martes matapos ang alegasyon ng CCG, bagay na inilathala sa social media post ng China-owned CCTV. Una nang sinabi ng Beijing na nangyari ang insidente noong nakaraang buwan.

"The [AFP] denies the reported allegations of gun-pointing by our troops stationed in BRP Sierra Madre (LS57) in Ayungin shoal to [CCG] personnel," ani Brawner ngayong araw.

"Our personnel are governed by the Rules of Engagement (ROE) and clearly acted with the highest level of professionalism, restraint, and discipline in the performance of their mission to safeguard our sovereignty and sovereign rights."

READ | Statement of the Armed Forces of the Philippines on the Alleged Gun-pointing Incident at BRP Sierra Madre.#AFPyoucanTRUST#OneAFPOnePhilippines#StrongAFPStrongPhilippines pic.twitter.com/Wk0WJOUkxo

Una nang nagpaskil ang Chinese media ng video ng dalawang sundalong Pilipino malapit sa Ayungin na mukhang may hawak na baril sa naturang barko. Iginigiit ng CCG na itinututok sa kanila ang mga armas.

Patuloy na naninindigan ang China na kanila ang halos buong South China Sea, lugar kung nasaan ang West Philippine Sea. Matatagpuan ang Ayungin Shoal dito, na siyang nasa loob ng 200-nautical exclusive economic zone (EEZ) ng Pilipinas.

Taong 2016 pa nang ibalewala ng Permanent Court of Arbitration ang nine-dash line claim ng China. Ito ang ginagamit ng kanilang bansa para sabihing kanila ang West Philippine Sea. Gayunpaman, hindi kinikilala ng Beijing ang ruling ng korte.

"Foreign vessels that venture dangerously close to our military vessel and in violation of safe distance protocols necessitate heightened vigilance and alertness from our personnel," paliwanag pa ni Brawner.

"Hence, our troops were seen onguard because of the CCG's provocative presence near BRP Sierra Madre."

"The AFP remains resolute in its duty to defend our nation and its people  against any threats."

Idiniin ng AFP chief of staff ang aniya'y pagsisikap