Confrontations, conflicts and controversy continue in WPS

YEARENDER - The year 2024 again saw rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), highlighted by what could be the most violent confrontation where China Coast Guard (CCG) personnel threatened Philippine Navy soldiers with bolos, spears, machetes and knives in an effort to stop a rotation and resupply (RORE) mission to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.

- By MICHAEL PUNONGBAYAN

It was also this year that the commander of the Western Command, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Palawan, was removed from his post after the Chinese embassy in Manila accused the ranking military official of entering into a "secret" deal with China.

And as the year is about to end, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. is in a "word war" with the Chinese Communist Party over the Philippine Army's plans to acquire the Typhoon mid-range missile system from the United States as part of efforts to modernize the military and boost its capabilities to defend Philippine territory and sovereignty.

The Philippine Navy's RORE missions to Ayungin Shoal this year started with a successful and unimpeded delivery provisions to the BRP Sierra Madre in February.