The recent act of China's obstruction and water cannon attack on a Philippine vessel in Ayungin Shoal, West Philippine Sea, could potentially have consequences for the offered joint patrols by China.
Colonel Medel Aguilar, spokesperson for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), stated that the military is yet to make a decision, but they will take into account the reaction of Filipinos to this new instance of harassment.
"I think we can ask the Filipino people on their reaction," he said during the joint press briefing of the National Task Force - West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS).
Aguilar further emphasized that the offer made by Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian, regarding purported joint military activities, is still considered to be in the informal stage.
"It was just an informal discussion. I don't know if it's even worth to be discussed here," he added.
Earlier, AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. also mentioned that China's proposal for joint patrols will be weighed in terms of the reception from Filipinos and allied nations like the United States.
