Rumors Saying AFP on Red Alert, Military Activity a Hoax — DND

There is no truth to reports claiming that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is on red alert and military activity is now ongoing in Clark Air Base, Pampanga.

This is allegedly in response to China’s fierce reaction to the United Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruling on Tuesday which invalidated the former’s claim over its “historic rights” to the West Philippine Sea, pointing out that its ‘Nine-Dash-Line’ claim has no legal basis.

“We would like to inform the general public that there is no truth in the text that is circulating about the AFP being on red alert and military activity in Clark in relation to China’s possible reaction to the recent ruling of the PCA,” Defense undersecretary for defense policy Ricardo A. David said.

“Said text is a hoax and I would like to assure everyone that there is no cause for alarm,” he added.

Earlier, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said he is hoping China will comply with the ruling for the good of the entire region.

“I hope China will abide (with the ruling) because it will be good for the whole region if everybody will follow the rule of law, nobody can just cherry pick the laws that we are going to abide by it. We believe in a community of nations (that) exist side-by-side harmoniously,” he added. (PNA)
BNB/PFN