AFP: China training ‘might end’ Amid WPS woes, Brawner says review of officers’ exchange program ongoing

By Joyce Pangco Pañares

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines

“might terminate” its military exchange program that sends Filipino military officers to China amid Beijing's continued incursions in the West Philippine Sea.

“The review is ongoing. We are not yet terminating it,” AFP chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. told Manila Standard in an interview.

“We might terminate it depending on the results of the review,” Brawner added.

Senator Jinggoy Estrada, chairman of the Senate Defense Committee, earlier asked the AFP to submit a report on the military exchange program that is paid for in full by the Chinese government.

Senator Francis Tolentino described the military exchange program as “very alarming” while Senator Raffy Tulfo said it was a “slap in the face of Filipinos” amid China's aggressive acts, adding that it gave Beijing an opportunity to “infiltrate” the AFP hierarchy.

A well-placed source in the Defense Department said there is a high chance the program will no longer continue.

“The AFP will likely start responding to China that we will no longer be sending our officers the next time there is an opening for training,” the source said.