AFP to VP Duterte: PH not picking a fight with China, only defending rights

MANILA — The Philippines is not picking a fight with China and is simply standing up for its rights in the West Philippine Sea, according to Retired Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad (Reserve), Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea.

Trinidad made the remark when asked to comment on Vice President Sara Duterte’s statement that the Philippines should avoid picking fights with other countries, particularly China.

Speaking to overseas Filipino workers in Hong Kong, Duterte said relations between countries are “complicated” and should not be confined to just one aspect.

Reacting to Duterte’s statement, Trinidad told reporters in a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo on Tuesday: “I support the statement na hindi tayo dapat nakikipag-away (that we should not start fights).”

He said that government agencies have been following that tack and do not pick fights with any nations over the West Philippine Sea. 

He said the Philippines is only standing up for its maritime entitlements, sovereign rights, and sovereignty.

“By merely standing up for what is rightfully and legally ours, we are not fighting any other country,” he said.

“And we would like to ensure that the next generation of Filipinos will inherit a country na buo at malaya (that is whole and free).”

Trinidad stressed that the 2016 Arbitral Award, which upheld the Philippines’ maritime entitlements, should be recognized by every Filipino.

Asked about Duterte’s comparison of the Philippines’ military strength to China, Trinidad said the AFP would continue fulfilling its mandate to protect the country’s territorial integrity.

“We have what we have. We are improving our capabilities. Given what we have, we are good. Given more, we could perform even better. But it will not stop the AFP from fighting, from standing up, and from supporting our government officials who stand up for our rights in the West Philippine Sea,” the official stressed.

Trinidad also called on Filipinos to support the government’s position on the West Philippine Sea.

“It is but incumbent upon every Filipino to support the stand of the government and the stand of the country to protect our maritime entitlements, our sovereignty, and our sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea—and for that matter, all of the country,” he said.