Peaceful WPS row resolution backed
The Philippines’ longstanding territorial dispute with China and other countries in the West Philippine (South China) Sea (WPS) will be dealt with peacefully and within the bounds of the law, newly installed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, assured Monday.
In his first presser as military chief, Gapay noted the “realistic and pragmatic” approach the government under President Rodrigo Duterte is taking to resolve issues with regards to claims being made by the Philippines and neighboring countries over the strategic international waterway.
This does not necessarily mean, however, that the AFP will not make its presence felt in the region.
“We still abide by resolving this conflict or issues peacefully and based on the rule of law. That’s our guarding principles and as we perform our mandate in upholding our sovereignty and preserving our territorial integrity in that Western part of the country,” stated Gapay.
“(But) as far as we know, that is our territory — up to the 12-mile exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea. No one can stop us from patrolling in the area,” he added.
Gapay also said that the military will continue to be in the forefront of fighting for the country’s sovereignty as well as the integrity of the national territory while stressing that the military will be the foremost protector of the people.
We still abide by resolving this conflict or issues peacefully and based on the rule of law.
The class valedictorian of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Sinagtala” Class of 1986, Gapay, the 61st to assume the country’s top military post, expressed optimism that despite the territorial tug-of-war, the Philippine military will continue to have warm ties with its foreign counterparts, particularly with China’s, despite the “pressures.”
“It has warmed up already, we have seen how China helped us (in) the onslaught of COVID-19 pandemic in terms of giving PPE, medical supplies and others,” stated the former Philippine Army commanding general.
He then noted that for the rest of his tenure as military chief, he would continue to push for the military’s modernization and vowed to sustain the gains of his predecessors to have an Armed Forces that will be a source of national pride.
“Whatever the challenge that lies ahead be it territorial integrity, terrorism, the wrath of nature or even infectious diseases, we shall not falter. You’re AFP will not cower,” Gapay stressed.
It has warmed up already, we have seen how China helped us (in) the onslaught of COVID-19 pandemic in terms of giving PPE, medical supplies and others.
“We shall carry out our task by exemplifying our brand of honor, service, and patriotism for these — our lifeblood. To the men and women of the AFP, our people need you. They look up to you, they trust you and we will not let them down,” he added.
Gapay succeeded his PMA batchmate, Gen. Felimon Santos Jr., as AFP Chief of Staff in a simple Change of Command ceremony held at the national headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo.
The event was presided by Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and was also graced by the Commander-in-Chief, President Rodrigo Duterte, via a digital feed.