AFP demands restitution
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) seeks P60 million in recompense for damages to Philippine vessels and other losses due to China Coast Guard's (CCG) harassment during the June 17 resupply mission.
AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. said the AFP has stated their demand in a letter which was sent to Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, who will pass it on to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to relay to China.
"Sumulat na po ako sa ating (Defense secretary) so that my letter could be transmitted to the DFA for them to reach out to their counterparts in China ... Illegal acts po itong mga ginawa nila (China) so dapat managot sila, dapat panagutan nila (These acts China committed are illegal so they should answer for them),” Brawner said in a press conference held at Camp Aguinaldo.
Among the damaged assets are two motor boats and Navy officers' personal belongings, aside from the seven firearms Brawner asked be returned to the AFP.
The AFP chief said this sum does not include reparation for the Filipino Navy officer who lost a finger in the conflict.
“But we are also looking into the possibility of charging them with the cost of restructuring the hand of SN1 Facundo kasi ooperahan po sya para bumalik yung function ng kaniyang kamay (because he will be operated on to restore the function of his hand),” Brawner stated.
China says: PH at fault
China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning pinned the blame for the incident on the Philippines, so the country must come to grips with the consequences of its own actions.
"The Philippine vessels were carrying out an illegal 'resupply mission' which violated China’s territorial waters and staging a provocation when stopped by China Coast Guard, who acted lawfully and rightfully to defend China’s sovereignty. The Philippine side should face the consequences of its own action," she claimed.
