July 12, 2024 | NEWS DIGEST

 

By API Desk | Date 07-12-2024

 

Military demands payment for damaged boats, seized weapons

The Philippines has demanded from China payment for two damaged rigid-hulled inflatable boats and the return of seized weapons during an incident in Ayungin Shoal last month.

General Romeo Brawner Jr said China should pay more than $1 million (60 million pesos) for the two boats and the seven guns that were taken during the resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre.

 Brawner added that he had written the Secretary of National Defense to transmit the military’s demand letter to China, through the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The amount also includes the medical expenses for a sailor who lost his right thumb during the incident.

The military is prepared for missile attack – Brawner

The Philippines has taken steps to harden military bases and other critical infrastructure against possible missile attack from hostile forces, the military chief said.

General Romeo Brawner Jr said there is no imminent missile threat but it is still a possibility after a senator warned China is targeting 25 sites in the country.

“There were reports that there are 25 targets here,” said Brawner, referring to the statement of Senator Imee Marcos, the president’s elder sister.

Brawner, however, asked the public not to panic as they are still in the process of verifying information.

Military launches ‘Mulat’ information campaign to fight disinformation

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has launched an information campaign “Mulat”  (awakened) to counter disinformation campaign on the West Philippine Sea. 

General Romeo Brawner Jr. said that the campaign is designed to influence the population perception on maritime dispute with China through improving transparency and countering disinformation on the disputed waters.

The program was launched after the military observed foreign influence operations that led to increasing false information and narratives on social media about the West Philippines.

“It is not healthy when some Filipinos are defending China’s interest,” Brawner said.

“We have to stop and reverse the trend and raise our own patriotism.”

NSC dismisses missile threats from China

The National Security Council (NSC) dismissed an imminent missile threat from China, saying both sides are committed to settle their differences peacefully through diplomatic channels.

Assistant Director-General Jonathan Malaya, NSC spokesman, said there are efforts to deescalate the situation in the West Philippine Sea after the June 17 incident near BRP Sierra Madre.

The president’s elder sister, Senator Imee Marcos, warned China is targeting 25 sites, including the nine locations where American forces were allowed to store logistics.

Malaya said they will reach out to Senator Marcos for more information, but added there is also “substantial progress” on managing the situation at the West Philippine Sea.

Meanwhile, Director Arsenio Andolong of the defense department they have “no basis for a comment or reaction to Sen Marcos’ video, because we have not seen nor read the plans that she referred to.”