MANILA – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has branded as a lie the recent claim of China that the Philippines has agreed to a “new model” agreement to manage the dispute in the West Philippine Sea.
According to PCG spokesperson for West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela, the Filipinos must not pay much attention to the claims of the Chinese Embassy.
“Every time nagpapalabas ng ganyang kasinungalingan ‘yung embassy,” Tarriela said. “Ginugulo lang lagi ng embassy ‘yung public discourse.”
“They also [want] to influence the public opinion to justify ‘yung aggressive action na ginawa nila sa Bajo de Masinloc. Nililito nila tayo, sine-sway nila tayo, dini-divide ang mga Pilipino para i-justify na napagkasunduan naman ito. Tayo da ang nag-violate,” he added.
“Dapat itong Chinese embassy, we should not pay attention to all their statement kasi nagkakaroon ng division among the Filipino people every time na dini-dignify ang mga statement na ito,” he further said.
The Chinese Embassy said on Saturday that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command (WESCOM) made a “gentleman’s agreement” with China earlier this year on the “new model” for managing the situation at the Ayungin Shoal.
In a statement, it said the deal was the product of China’s commitment to properly manage maritime differences “through dialogue and consultation with the Philippines.”
“During the discussion, the AFP WESCOM has made repeated confirmation that the ‘new model’ has been approved by all key officials in the Philippine chain of command, including the Secretary of National Defense and the National Security Adviser,” the embassy said.
“A ‘new model’ for management of the Ren’ai Jiao situation was also agreed upon by both sides early this year after rounds of serious communications with the Philippine military,” it added.
The Department of Foreign Affairs, National Security Council and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro have already denied any knowledge of an alleged “new model” in managing the Ayungin Shoal dispute./PN
