AFP chief: Death of Filipino is ‘red line’ in Ayungin tensions

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner talks to reporters in Makati City on August 22, 2025. — Photo by Gabryelle Dumalag

MANILA, Philippines — Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Friday said the military remains on guard at Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, warning that the death of a Filipino would constitute a “red line” in the face of heightened Chinese presence.

“They’re still there. We are continuously monitoring their activities,” Brawner told reporters in Makati City, referring to Chinese vessels lingering near the grounded BRP Sierra Madre. “Our guidance to our troops is maximum tolerance and to still observe the rule of law. Let China violate international law. As long as we’re here, we will remain in our post.”

Asked what would trigger a stronger response, Brawner pointed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s earlier directive: “If someone dies, a Filipino, that is the red line.”

He declined to go into operational details but stressed the AFP has contingency plans in place. “We are always ready for any eventuality,” he said.

Brawner also said his orders were clear in the event of an attempted boarding of the Sierra Madre: “We will prevent them from doing so. By boarding our ship, it’s like coming into our territory. Under the rules of engagement, we will apply the appropriate force, considering the situation.”

READ: Philippine Navy: Chinese moves near Ayungin Shoal ‘unusual’

Upholding sovereignty

Despite China’s deployment of ships with high-caliber weapons circling Ayungin Shoal, Brawner emphasized the AFP’s commitment to defend the garrisoned outpost.

“The symbolism of BRP Sierra Madre is that we are asserting our right to our exclusive economic zone,” he said. “Even if we are just on rubber boats against bigger ships, we will continue to push them outward because we won’t allow them to get close.”

The AFP chief said the situation remains tense but has not escalated into violent clashes. No additional troops have been deployed so far, with the military awaiting guidance from the National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea.

Brawner assured that resupply missions to the Sierra Madre would continue.

“We need to take care of our soldiers…Because what our soldiers are doing in BRP Sierra Madre is difficult. And I am proud of our soldiers because even though what happened in Ayungin Shoal is dangerous, and yet they continue to serve with dignity,” he said. /das