AFP ready to implement South China Sea code of conduct

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is “prepared to implement” a proposed code of conduct to prevent conflict in the disputed South China Sea, according to Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea. FILE PHOTO: Arnel Tacson, INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it is “prepared to implement” a proposed code of conduct to prevent conflict in the disputed South China Sea.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had called last Monday for the hastening of a legally binding code of conduct in the South China Sea in the 46th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit in Malaysia.

The Philippines is one of the 10 members of the regional bloc.

“Whatever comes out in the code of conduct, the AFP is prepared to implement,” Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Adm. Roy Trinidad said in a Camp Aguinaldo briefing on Tuesday.

“The AFP is an armed forces for peace. Nevertheless, we are prepared to perform our mandate regardless of any challenge, especially in the maritime domain. You can trust the AFP,” he added, speaking in a mix of English and Filipino.

READ: Marcos calls for legally binding South China Sea Code of Conduct

Marcos justified a code of conduct for stakeholder nations in the South China Sea by citing “geopolitical tensions, unexpected trade barriers, and the unprecedented impact of climate change.”