The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) vehemently denied the claim of the Chinese Embasy in Manila that they had agreed to a "new model" for the operations in Ayungin Shoal.
"China's claim of an audio recording allegedly between Vice Admiral Carlos and a Chinese diplomat does not merit significant concern as it appears to be a malign influence effort from the Chinese Communist Party," AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said in a statement.
According to Brawner, transcripts can easily be fabricated, and audio recordings can be manufactured by using deep fakes.
The reports, according to the AFP Chief, only aim to serve as a distraction from the China Coast Guard's ongoing aggressive behavior in the West Philippine Sea.
Brawner stressed that their organization will remain "professional.".
"We urge the public to avoid spreading unverified information that could further escalate tensions or mislead public opinion," it furthered.
