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In light of the violent confrontation on June 17 between the Chinese Coast Guard and Philippine Navy troops near Ayungin Shoal, Former Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri has underscored the critical need to modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
“Condemning China is no longer enough,” Zubiri stated on Friday, June 21. “Even with a large sector of the international community standing firmly behind us, China remains unfazed. They clearly intend to continue strong-arming their way into our territory and our exclusive economic zone.”
Zubiri highlighted the P6 billion budget for the AFP and P2.8 billion for the PCG in the 2024 national budget, aimed at modernizing their fleets to prepare for China’s increasingly aggressive actions in the South China Sea.
He also mentioned the newly passed New Government Procurement Act, which will help “fast-track the purchase of much-needed equipment for our brave soldiers, who are risking their lives for the sovereignty of our beloved nation.”
“The budget is ready, and the law is coming. I call on all government stakeholders to act with utmost urgency in setting our modernization plans into motion, so we can set up a stronger defense of the West Philippine Sea,” Zubiri said.
Zubiri stressed the importance of preparation due to the increasing violence near BRP Sierra Madre, where Chinese Coast Guard personnel wielding bolos and axes illegally boarded and rammed Philippine vessels during a resupply mission, damaging the inflatable hulls and causing injuries, including one Navy man who lost a thumb.
“Nakita naman po natin sa mga nirelease na video kung paanong kinawawa, pinagtulungan at parang kinuyog ang ating mga magigiting na sundalo, isa po ay nagtamo pa ng seryosong pinsala sa katawan,” Zubiri said. “Moving forward with our forces’ modernization program is the only way to go. Hindi man natin kayang tapatan ang lakas ng China, madadagdagan natin ang ating puwersa sa pagpapatrolya ng West Philippine Sea,” he added.
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