Brawner: Unity crucial in defending sovereignty
ARMED Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner Jr. on Sunday said Ukrainian citizens defending their nation from a Russian invasion could serve as a role model for Filipinos in forging unity to deter Chinese intrusion in the West Philippine Sea.
«We've seen in the Ukraine-Russia war that citizens of Ukraine to include male, female, the youth and elderly are united in defending their country,» Brawner said in an interview with The Manila Times.
«Though the process may be longer, we have to start now, and we have to develop that recognition and appreciation of national defense in our country. That is what we want to attain,» Brawner said on the sidelines of the AFP's Reserve Force rites in Camp Aguinaldo.
He echoed the call for Filipinos to show patriotism and nationalism as the government asserts its sovereign rights in the disputed waters.
Chinese coast guard and maritime militia have been trying to drive away Filipino fishermen from rich fishing areas in Scarborough Shoal and other areas in the West Philippine Sea.
Like Ukrainians, the Filipinos' unified stance against foreign elements wanting to trample the country's sovereignty would be a vital factor, Brawner said.
«We should show them (Chinese) that we are united Filipinos in the defense of our nation as we have one country, and all of us have a stake in our security,» Brawner said.
The Philippines has blamed China for the massive destruction of marine life, including coral reefs in the Rozul and Escoda Shoals.
Piles of dead corals were also seen in Sandy Cay 2, just two miles off the Philippine-occupied Pagasa Island.
The AFP has drawn up a new strategy to address security concerns in the disputed region.
Brawner, however, denied that reservists would be called up.
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. shared Brawner's sentiments.
«We are in the process of redesigning our reserve force based on the needs of the times. Hopefully, we can come up with a synergistic, ready, and relevant Reserve Force not only now but lay the foundations for building it and changing the shape as needed in the future,» Teodoro said during the AFP Reserve Force ceremony.
«What we witnessed today was something that I
