China envoy’s ‘use of force’ remark shows who the troublemaker is — AFP official

MANILA — The controversial remark of the Chinese envoy about “easily winning” should Beijing choose to use force against Manila only shows who the troublemaker is, an official of the Armed Forces of the Philippines argued Friday.

In a chance interview in Manila Thursday, Chinese ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan claimed that if China “may easily win” if it wants to use force. But he added that they won’t choose force since “we love peace.” 

“Ito ay nagpapakita lamang sino ang troublemaker,” AFP Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad told state-run media PTV in an interview Friday, October 16.

While it deferred to the Department of Foreign Affairs who earlier lamented the envoy’s remarks, Trinidad maintained that the Philippines does not provoke conflict, saying that Filipino troops strictly follow rules of engagement and international law. 

“Who is threatening us in our backyard, in our territory? Sila. So, sila ang pasimuno ng gulo!” he stressed.

“Ika nga kung sa usaping Pilipino, sa sitio mo o sa purok mo, huwag ninyo kaming takutin sa lugar namin. Respeto lang tayo,” Trinidad added. 

Trinidad remained firm that the country’s armed forces will continue to defend the country’s sovereign rights and territory.

“Ang morale at kahandaan ng ating mga tauhan had never been as high as this. Itong pinakamataas na masasabi ko. Ang importante dito ay maintindihan ng bawat Pilipino na huwag humina ang loob,” he said.