Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. has called on soldiers to be ready in the event of an "invasion" or attack on Taiwan.
RH Edniel Parrosa’s report noted that during the 38th anniversary of the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM), Brawner encouraged soldiers to begin strategizing as soon as the expected threat arises.
The AFP Chief noted that it is inevitable that the Philippines may be affected by the Taiwan conflict, given the 250,000 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) based in the region.
Brawner underscored the importance of rescuing Filipinos in the country, suggesting that NOLCOM should expand its "sphere of operations," to effectively respond to the potential crisis.
"Let me give you this further challenge: do not be content with the securing of the northern hemisphere up to Mavulis Island," Brawner said in his speech.
"Start planning for actions in case there is an invasion of Taiwan. So, extend na natin ang sphere of operations natin because if something happens to Taiwan, inevitably we will be involved," he added.
NOLCOM is tasked with monitoring the northern territory of the Philippines, including Bajo de Masinloc off the western coast of Zambales, extending to Mavulis Island, which is closer to Taiwan than mainland Cagayan.
Brawner's speech coincided with the Chinese Eastern Theater Command's deployment of forces around Taiwan for a military exercise.
Meanwhile, Brawner stated that many of the activities scheduled for this month's Balikatan exercises will take place in NOLCOM's area of operation.
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro announced that a "full battle simulation" during the annual joint military exercises between Manila and Washington will also be conducted in 2025.
DZRH News was among the select media outlets that covered the Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA), or Joint Sail, last week. It was conducted by the AFP, U.S., and Japan, 31 nautical miles off the Bajo de Masinloc (BDM) or Panatag Shoal.
