Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, the newly appointed Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), has ordered military personnel stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal to “stand our ground” following renewed friction in the West Philippine Sea.
The directive from the 61st AFP chief came shortly after he assumed leadership, following a recent clash between the Philippine Navy and the China Coast Guard (CCG) near Ayungin Shoal that resulted in an injury to a Filipino service member.
In his inaugural media interview after officially taking office, Nafarrete voiced confidence in the readiness of the troops deployed aboard the grounded navy vessel to fulfill their duties while adhering strictly to existing operational protocols.
“Rest assured that we will also do our jobs. And I think they’re ready for it. We have our rules of engagement also,” Nafarrete said.
The armed forces chief reiterated that the military remains unyielding in protecting national sovereignty and maritime territories while operating under established protocols in disputed waters.