Screengrab from PCG

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said that reports of the Philippine Navy being confronted and subsequently shooed away by Chinese forces were mere 'propaganda.'

According to Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., the Philippine Navy had conducted a maritime patrol and received a radio challenge from a Chinese coast guard vessel. Brawner emphasized that the Philippine vessel remained steadfast in its mission, and he firmly dismissed China's actions as a form of propaganda.

"Hindi tayo papapayag na palayasin. The exclusive economic zone is our duty, it is our right to make sure that our fishermen can fish in our economic zone," declared Brawner.

National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya weighed in on the situation, asserting that the Philippines regularly patrols the region. He explained that these patrols are essential to assert the country's rights in the area.

"Tayo po ay regular na nagko-conduct ng maritime patrol, mayroon din tayong intelligence surveillance activities na ginagawa, regular po iyan," noted Malaya.