Manila Bulletin
Gov’t not keen on invoking Mutual Defense Treaty with US over violent resupply mission – Palace exec
The national government is not keen on invoking the Philippines-United States' Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) following China's aggressive actions during a resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal.
During the June 17 mission, Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) personnel rammed and boarded Filipino resupply boats, confiscated firearms, and used bladed weapons and tear gas.
These actions resulted in the dismemberment of the right thumb of Navy trooper Seaman First Class Jeffrey Facundo and destruction of equipment.
The MDT, signed in 1951, obligates both the Philippines and the US to defend each other against external armed attacks.
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Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro stated that the Chinese harassment of a June 17 resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal was not a misunderstanding or accident, but a deliberate and illegal use of force intended to prevent the Philippines from completing its mission.
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The United States reaffirmed its commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines following a recent incident in the West Philippine Sea where Chinese vessels engaged in ramming and towing of Philippine ships.
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Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held discussions regarding China's recent "escalatory actions" in the West Philippine Sea.
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The Philippines' task force on the West Philippine Sea has accused Chinese vessels of engaging in dangerous maneuvers, including ramming and towing, against Filipino boats during a routine resupply mission at the Ayungin Shoal.
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Personnel from the China Coast Guard (CCG) used bladed weapons, including bolos, pickaxes, and knives, and threw rocks during a resupply mission at Ayungin Shoal on June 17.
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