The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has issued a warning to the public regarding the spread of false narratives by China in an attempt to create discord among Filipinos. This includes an alleged recording of a phone conversation between a high-ranking Philippine military officer and a Chinese diplomat discussing a “new model” for managing the situation in Ayungin Shoal.
In the supposed phone conversation, a voice claiming to be Western Command chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos can be heard expressing approval of the new model to the Chinese diplomat on the other line. The BRP Sierra Madre has been stationed on Ayungin Shoal for more than thirty years, serving as an outpost for Filipino soldiers.
Beijing has claimed to have a gentleman’s agreement with Manila that only allows deliveries of food and provisions to the Sierra Madre and prohibits the delivery of construction materials. The DFA has cautioned the public against falling for these false narratives and emphasized the importance of adhering to diplomatic relations protocols.
The DFA also clarified that no Cabinet-level official has approved any Chinese proposal and that only the Philippine president can authorize agreements regarding the West Philippine Sea. Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. dismissed the recorded phone conversation as a product of deep fakes and urged the media to handle such reports with care.
Additionally, the Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad, criticized China for engaging in “Marites (gossip) warfare” by spreading false claims to create discord among Filipinos. Other government offices, including the Department of National Defense and the National Security Council, have also warned against falling for China’s false narratives.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) issued an alert for rocket debris following China’s latest rocket launch. PhilSA confirmed the launch of China’s Long March 3B/E rocket and warned the public against retrieving or coming in close contact with rocket fragments due to potential toxic substances.
