General Romeo Brawner Jr., chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), vowed to sustain the troops’ presence in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal amid tensions with China in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Brawner made the vow when he hosted United States Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall during the latter's courtesy visit at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Friday, April 5.

During their meeting, the two officials tackled the military alliance of the Philippines and US, and how to further enhance their cooperation to address emerging security issues particularly in the WPS.

“BRP Sierra Madre represents our collective will to protect the integrity of our territory and defend our sovereignty and sovereign rights. It is our right and our obligation to sustain our troops stationed there,” Brawner told Kendall.

Tension between the Philippines and China has increased due to recent resupply missions for Filipino troops onboard the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.

Chinese vessels have been persistent in blocking the resupply missions in the disputed shoal, even resorting to use of water cannons that injured seven Filipinos last month. 

China also claims that a gentleman’s agreement with the previous administration to maintain the status quo in the South China Sea include the non-entry of construction materials to fix the dilapidated, World War II-era Philippine Navy ship.

But such agreement is no longer binding under the current Marcos administration, according to government officials. 

To further protect the country’s claims in the WPS, Brawner and Kendall affirmed the continuation of the military engagements and cooperative work between the two forces.

These include the continuation of maritime cooperative activity (MCA) marked by joint patrols in WPS, bilateral exercises, and development of project sites for the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

Brawner also extended the AFP’s appreciation of the US’ support and assistance not just in addressing the WPS issue, but also to the entire military organization and the Philippines in general.

Air Force alliance

Meanwhile, General David W. Allvin, chief of staff of the US Air Force, also visited the headquarters of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City to talk about ways to further bolster the bilateral cooperation and mutual trust between the two forces.

He was welcomed by Maj. Gen. Aristotle D. Gonzalez, acting PAF vice commander.

Gonzalez and Allvin reaffirmed their commitment to deepen defense and military relations, particularly on expanding collaboration in the areas of joint trainings and exercises.