‘De-escalate’ means surrender of WPS, retired generals lament

Reporters asked AFP chief Romeo Brawner at what point he’ll seek allies’ help in West Philippine Sea rotations-resupplie“When our troops are already hungry, they don’t have food anymore because our resupply missions have been blocked and they’re on the verge of dying,” he replied.

Retired generals were aghast. “That’s very demoralizing for our soldiers,” former PMA superintendent Edilberto Adan said. “They’ll think they won’t be rescued until near death.”

Commander-in-chief Bongbong Marcos has ordered the AFP to “de-escalate tensions” with China. “But what’s de-escalate – to give up WPS features?” Adan wondered. “I don’t think China knows what the term means or even uses it.”

Philippine sailors are stationed in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, and Marines in nine Kalayaan (Spratly) islets. Coast guards aboard BRP Teresa Magbanua are surrounded by China military ships at Escoda (Sabina) Shoal near Palawan.

“The AFP chief of staff is accountable if the Philippines loses any WPS feature,” Adan said. The retired lieutenant general chairs Advocates for National Interest. ANI groups former AFP, Army, Navy and Air Force heads who also served civilian agencies.

US naval escorts “are an entirely reasonable option,” Indo-Pacific Command chief Adm. Samuel Paparo told a defense forum in Manila on Aug. 27. But Brawner declined the offer, preferring to “do it by ourselves, we’re going to try all avenues.”

Two days later they convened the Phl-US Mutual Defense Board. After which, Brawner announced his “troop starvation” threshold.

“AFP’s mission is clear,” Adan cited the Constitution’s Article II, Declaration of Principles, Section 3, “It’s goal is to secure the sovereignty of the State and integrity of the national territory.”

At first 40, then 52, now 71 China navy warships, Coast Guard gunboats and maritime militia steel trawlers blockade Escoda. The Philippine Coast Guard said China is preparing to occupy Escoda like Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal in 2012, then fortify it like Panganiban (Mischief) Reef in 1995.

Two PCG and one fisheries bureau vessel were rammed and watercannoned there en route to ROREs on Aug. 19 and 25. But spokesman Alexander Lopez of the newly formed