THE Armed Forces yesterday launched a military exercise, including island seizure and amphibious operations, in the contested West Philippine Sea in the South China Sea, to hone skills on external defense missions.
The military said the AFP Joint Exercise DAGIT-PA (Dagat, Langit, Lupa) is not aimed at China which it expects to monitor the exercise that will involve at least 3,000 troops from the Navy, Air Force, and Army and will run until November 15.
“Here in this exercise, we are strengthening our commitment to fortifying our nation’s defenses and enhancing our operational capabilities,” said Armed Forces chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.
Brawner said the exercise will provide the Armed Forces the “invaluable opportunity to hone our skills, ensuring the interoperability and effectiveness of our joint forces in the face of evolving security challenges.”
Brawner said the military’s mission is very clear — “prepare ourselves comprehensively to respond to any external threats that might challenge our sovereignty.”
Exercise director Maj. Gen. Marvin Licudine said the drills will be held in the areas of responsibility of the AFP Western Mindanao Command, which includes the West Philippine Sea, and the AFP Northern Luzon Command.
Licudine said the military has contingency measures in case China will interfere in the exercise.
“Of course we expect our Chinese counterparts will be monitoring us and doing some things maybe. But our planners have prepared for contingencies in the process,” he said.
Col. Michael Logico, the exercise’s executive agent, said the training activities in the West Philippine Sea will include “island seizure exercises, amphibious counter landing exercises, and air defense exercises.”
“Also included are joint intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance and maritime security exercises,” he said.
Logico also said live fire exercises will also be conducted under the DAGIT-PA exercise, using guns and ground-based artillery.
Among the assets that will be used in the exercise, Logico said, are FA-50 fighter jets, attack aircraft Super Tucano, Navy frigates and landing docks, and Army artillery assets.
Logico said they are expecting China to again monitor the eighth iteration of the annual exercise.
“They will respond the same way they have always responded. They have a front seat to the exercise. They will watch, yes, and we don’t mind,” said Logico, adding they are not expecting the Chinese to harass the exercise.
He added: “This is not aimed at anybody. This is purposely conducted to improve our combat readiness and to guarantee that our joint forces are fully competent and proficient to carry out their mandate.”
DAMAGE
Brawner said China has yet to respond to his demand for it to pay P60 million for the damage of military equipment and to return rifles the Chinese stole during a resupply mission in the West Philippine Sea last June.
Brawner also announced that the right thumb of Seaman First Class Jeffrey Facundo, who was injured in the incident, had been already restored.
Brawner made the demand two days after the June 17 harassment by Chinese Coast Guard personnel of Filipino troops near the BRP Sierra Madre, a rusting Philippine Navy ship grounded at Philippine-occupied Ayungin Shoal.
Two rigid-hull inflatable boats were among those damaged by the Chinese. The boats were subjected to dangerous maneuvers and ramming by the Chinese Coast Guard, injuring Facundo.
The Chinese also took seven encased rifles and other equipment of the Filipino troops.
“We demanded that China pay us P60 million for the damage and for the return of our firearms. That is on top of the (injury) that was caused on one Navy (sailor) who lost his thumb,” said Brawner.
“China has yet to respond,” he said when asked for an update on his demands.
Brawner said the military will continue to demand “because that is our right.”
“They were at fault, they stole our equipment, they (Chinese) should return it,” he added.
On Facundo, Brawner said his right thumb was restored about two months ago with the help of the Makati Medical Foundation, and the sailor is now back on duty in the West Philippine Sea.