Death of Filipino in WPS could mean crossing the 'red line' – AFP

As China deployed coast guard and fast boats with weapons to Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. stressed that the death of any Filipino in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) would constitute a “red line” that would trigger the military’s contingency measures, possibly including the invocation of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) with the United States.

- By MARTIN SADONGDONG

“If a Filipino dies, that is the red flag, that is the red line,” the military chief said on the sidelines of the second Philippines-Australia Defense Ministers' Meeting in Makati City on Friday, Aug. 22.

He was referring to the tense situation around Ayungin Shoal where the grounded BRP Sierra Madre serves as an outpost of AFP troops.

Brawner said Chinese vessels continue to circle the shoal, often coming close to the AFP detachment stationed there.

Despite being outnumbered and outmatched, he said that the sailors and marines onboard BRP Sierra Madre managed to keep the Chinese vessels at a distance.