DFA warns vs ‘false narratives’ on Ayungin

MANILA, Philippines —  The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has warned the public against false narratives being spread by China to sow discord among Filipinos, including its “unverifiable” recording of a phone conversation between a ranking Philippine military officer and a Chinese diplomat purportedly on an agreement on a “new model” for managing the situation in Ayungin Shoal.

In the alleged phone conversation, a voice – supposedly of Western Command chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos – could be heard expressing his approval of the new model to the one on the other line, reportedly a ranking diplomat in the Chinese embassy.

The BRP Sierra Madre has been grounded on Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal for more than three decades, serving as an outpost for a small contingent of Filipino soldiers.

Beijing is claiming it has a gentleman’s agreement with Manila to allow only deliveries of food and other provisions to Sierra Madre and not construction materials.

In a statement, the DFA said it is cautioning the public “against falling for false narratives” from China.

“Resorting to tactics such as releasing unverifiable recordings of supposed conversations with Philippine officials could demonstrate efforts to sow discord and confusion among Philippine agencies and the Filipino public,” it said.

The DFA said diplomats should strictly adhere to the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, particularly Article 41 which states that “…it is the duty of all persons to respect the laws and regulations of the receiving State.”

“They also have a duty not to interfere in the internal affairs of that State,” the DFA said.

On Tuesday, the DFA made it clear that no Cabinet-level official had approved any Chinese proposal.

The department emphasized that only the Philippine president can approve or authorize agreements entered into by the government with other parties on matters pertaining to the West Philippine Sea.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. dismissed the recorded phone conversation between Carlos and a Chinese diplomat as a product of deep fakes.

“China’s claim of an audio recording allegedly between Vice Admiral Carlos and a Chinese