AFP: No let-up in WPS patrols

More nations raise serious concern over China’s ‘coercive’ actions

By Rey E. Requejo and Maricel V. Cruz

THE Philippines will continue its maritime patrols in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), even after the Ayungin Shoal incident in which a Chinese vessel aimed a military-grade laser at a Philippine Coast Guard ship, the military said Wednesday.

Speaking to the press, Commander Ariel Joseph Coloma of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command said the incident would not stop them from carrying out their mandate.

“Nothing has changed,” he said in Filipino. “The AFP will continue its mandate and our ships will continue to patrol the WPS.”

The statement came as Canada and Germany joined other nations in calling out the Chinese coast guard’s use of military-grade laser against a Philippine vessel last week.

Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman said China’s actions were “coercive” and disrupted “lawful” operations of the said PCG vessel.

“Canada underscores its firm and unwavering support for the Philippines in the face of coercive actions of the People’s Republic of China in