Just a ‘prudent measure’: AFP clarifies chief’s Taiwan remark

AFP chief Romeo Brawner Jr. —AFP FB page photo

MANILA, Philippines — Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. was only talking about potential scenarios in Taiwan, his office clarified on Wednesday.

Speaking at the the Northern Luzon Command’s (Nolcom) anniversary program in Tarlac City on Tuesday, Brawner ordered the troops to “start planning for action in case there is [an] invasion of Taiwan.”

READ: Brawner to PH soldiers: Plan for action in case of Taiwan invasion

“The guidance was not a response to an imminent threat nor a declaration of heightened alert, but rather a prudent measure to ensure readiness for potential scenarios,” the AFP said in a statement.

“These orders, focused on preparedness, are rooted in the AFP’s fundamental mandate: To protect Filipinos and secure our territory,” the statement added.

READ: China launches military drills around Taiwan

After Brawner’s remarks, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun on Wednesday urged certain personalities in the country not to make “unfounded comments” regarding Taiwan, warning “those who play with fire will burn themselves.”

However, AFP said “General Brawner’s pronouncement emphasized non-combatant evacuation operations preparedness, given the significant presence of approximately 250,000 Overseas Filipino Workers in Taiwan, ensuring their safety should the situation escalate.”

Brawner made this remark as Beijing sent its army, navy, air and rocket forces to surround Taipei aimed at practicing a blockade.

Beijing deems Taipei a renegade province subject to reunification, and has not ruled out the usage of force to put the island territory under its control.

Taiwan broke away from the Chinese mainland in 1949 following its takeover by Mao Zedong’s communist forces.