#Brawner said he wants to remove the impression that the #FilipinoSoldiers only stood by, stressing that they fought "with their bare hands" amid the lack of #weapons.

“We saw in the video how the Chinese even threatened our personnel by pointing their knives… Despite this, lumaban po yung ating mga sundalo, 'no? Lumaban po with their bare hands no,” he said. #WestPHSea #Philippines

#ChinaCoastGuard acted 'like pirates' in latest #AyunginShoal incident, says Brawner
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/910535/china-coast-guard-pirates-brawner/story/?top_picks&order=2

China Coast Guard acted 'like pirates' in latest Ayungin incident, says Brawner

AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. on Wednesday likened to "pirates" the Chinese Coast Guard personnel who recently harassed Filipino troops conducting a resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal.

GMA News Online

#Philippine defense chief vows to protect sovereignty after former #populist president Rodrigo #Duterte made secession threats.

Last week, Duterte called for the independence of his resource-rich hometown island #Mindanao in the southern #Philippines.

Armed Forces of Philippines #AFP Chief Romeo #Brawner, reminded troops in Mindanao that "we swore an oath that we will always follow the chain of command, be loyal to the constitution and our duly constituted authorities"

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/philippine-defence-chief-vows-protect-sovereignty-amid-secession-threats-2024-02-05/