AFP to protect Pinoy fishers from Chinese detention

Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) can count on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for protection if China makes good its threat to detain for 60 days without trial foreign “trespassers” in what it considers its territorial seas, beginning today.

- MICHAEL PUNONGBAYAN

Beijing is claiming almost the entire South China Sea.

“China’s so called anti-trespassing policy undermines the rule of law and international norms that govern maritime conduct,” Philippine Navy spokesman for the WPS, Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad, said.

“The presence and actions of its vessels in our waters are illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive. We will not be deterred or intimidated,” he added.

The AFP, particularly the Philippine Navy, declared that it would remain steadfast in its commitment to protect the nation’s rights and ensure the safety of its personnel and Filipinos in the WPS.

“We will continue our maritime patrols in areas within the Philippines’ jurisdiction,” the military said, without revealing details.