Why PH soldiers exercise restraint amid China aggression in WPS

GMA Network

16-06-2025

Like some primeval beast, the Chinese Jiangkai Class frigate emerged from the curtain of rain and haze, its gray paint making it hard to spot under the overcast sky. As if one cue, two Chinese militia ships with their outstretched booms also showed themselves, spread several nautical miles apart.
A radio challenge was quickly issued by the crew of the BRP Andres Bonifacio demanding the Chinese warship's intention within the Philippine EEZ.
It took several minutes for the Chinese warship to give an answer. The Chinese replied in halting English, mirroring the Philippines radio challenge and asserting its right over that part of the sea.
After several exchanges over the radio, the Chinese ships fell into radio silence, and lingered several nautical miles from the Philippine ship.
The BRP Andres Bonifacio conducts ship to shore operations in the Kalayaan Island Group./CHINO GASTON, GMA Integrated News
The Bonifacio's commanding officer said the Chinese frigate came as close as 4.2 nautical miles from the ship. The ship's sensors had detected the presence of the Chinese vessels even before they were visible to the naked eye. In fact, several other ships appeared on the radar screen, showing the range of the ship's sensors.
The AFP reveals that during the standoff between the Philippine Coast Guard's BRP Teresa Magbanua and the Chinese Coast Guard in Sabina Shoal early this year, the BRP Andres Bonifacio was closely shadowed by another frigate of the the Chinese Navy in violation of safety protocols for navigation at sea.
The Bonifacio had been dispatched then, to aid the Magbanua which had stayed near Sabina Shoal for over a month to verify information that the Chinese were planning to start reclamation, some 120 nautical miles off the coast of Palawan. The Magbanua was eventually forced to return to port after running out of supply of drinking water.
But the tightrope act between fulfilling the military duties and preventing an all out conflict is not confined to encounters among warships in the Philippine EEZ.
The Philippine Naval Special Operations Unit 4 among which includes the Philippine Navy SEALs, provide security and rubber boat operations during the Rotation and Resupply Missions throughout the KIG.
While trained to kill in operations over land air and sea, the SEALs face a different challenge when faced with the Chinese. SEAL Team member Zaldy, not his real name, admits feeling angry when the Chinese start harassing them whenever they bring supplies to their fellow soldiers, like those onboard the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.
However, he said the mission remains the top priority regardless of how one feels.
"Normal lang na makadama ng galit. Pero sinusunod lang namin ang utos sa amin at inaalala na kapag kami'y lumaban, may mas malaking epekto nito sa Pilipinas."
(It's normal to feel angry. But we just follow orders and remember that if we fight back, it would have a bigger impact on the Philippines.)
Philippine Marines being transported by Philippine Navy SEALs for deployment to the occupied features in the KIG./CHINO GASTON, GMA Integrated News
Philippine Marines being transported by Philippine Navy SEALs for deployment to the occupied features in the KIG./CHNO GASTON, GMA Integrated News
Despite the superiority and sheer number of Chinese assets throughout the KIG, Zaldy said they find ways to fulfill their mission based on the parameters given by higher headquarters.
"Iwas lang kami sa kanila, hahanap kami (ng) paraan para magawa pa rin yung mission, nasa amin na yun magpigil," he said.
(We just avoid them and find ways to continue with our mission. It is up to us to restrain ourselves.)
No other incident demonstrates the resolve and restraint of the Navy SEALs than the June 17, 2024 Ayungin incident when Chinese Coast Guard Personnel damaged the rubber boats and equipment of the Philippine Navy, and where a member of the Navy SEALs lost a thumb.
Armed Forces spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla explains that while some people may be wondering why one of the most lethal military units of the armed forces refused to defend themselves at Ayungin, the reality is far more complicated than simply drawing a gun and engaging the enemy.
"These are trained, highly skilled personnel so for all intents and purposes they can very likely kill an opponent kasi yan ang training nila eh. Actually they are meant to do that, that is their skillset na nadevelop nila. But the greatest act of courage they have shown is that they held their ground not to escalate tension during that time," she said.
However, this does not mean that Filipino soldiers in the KIG will always be turning the other cheek when faced by unlawful aggression from the Chinese. Padilla clarifies that there are limits to restraint.
"May mga (There are) red lines. And identified yan ng mga ground commanders and 'yan din magiging briefing nila sa mga tropa for any deployment. They could have but they did not (engage)," she said.
Philippine Marines scan the sea for any intruders while on duty at Likas Island./CHINO GASTON, GMA Integrated News
The AFP had previously stated that Filipino soldiers and sailors guarding the features and patrolling the West Philippine Sea can only actively engage in combat under the principle of self-defense.
While these red lines remain clear to the AFP, the question that begs to be answered is whether the Chinese are willing or may inadvertently cross the point of no return in its ever increasing acts of aggression against Philippine ships and fishermen. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News