MANILA — The Association of Generals and Flag Officers (AGFO) on Monday supported the stand of the government to assert the country’s sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The group also called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to protect its frontline personnel.
“AGFO supports and trusts the government stand to assert our sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea and exhorts the Armed Forces of the Philippines in protecting and taking care of our frontline troops,” the group said in a statement.
AGFO said the actions of the China Coast Guard (CCG) and China Maritime Militia (CMM) were unprofessional, escalatory, and in violation of numerous United Nations protocols.
The group also commended the heroic and professional conduct of the Philippine Navy officers during the June 17 rotation and reprovisioning (RORE) mission to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.
“In spite of escalatory actions of China seagoing elements in West Philippine Sea, our navy personnel exercised extreme caution and unequalled patience to successfully complete their mission amidst undue harassment and risk of physical harm,” it said.
It was reported that CCG and CMM members armed with knives attacked the RORE mission, damaging Philippine assets and wounding a Filipino Navy sailor. (PND)
