Philippine News Agency
AFP: Soldiers aboard BRP Sierra Madre have right to defend themselves
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) denies China's claim that its personnel aboard the BRP Sierra Madre pointed their guns at the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG).
AFP Chief-of-Staff Romeo Brawner Jr. stated that the soldiers were holding their weapons for self-defense as CCG personnel came as close as five to 10 meters from the BRP Sierra Madre.
AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad added that Filipino troops acted with professionalism, restraint, and discipline, governed by the Rules of Engagement.
Trinidad emphasized that Filipino troops were on guard due to the CCG's provocative presence and dangerous proximity during a resupply mission on May 19.
The CCG personnel seized and dumped one of the four food packages meant for the troops during the incident.
The resupply mission involved dropping food packages via airdrop.
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