MANILA, Feb. 25 (UPI) -- The Philippine government is trying to defuse a dispute with China, but the armed forces will act "when the time comes," a military official said Tuesday.
Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala spoke in response to questions by reporters about an incident last month in which the Chinese coast guard used water cannons on Filipino fishermen, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported.
The incident was "really alarming," Zagala said, but "does not merit a military response."
"We should look at the force we're facing," he said. "Right now, it's the Chinese coast guard. I don't think it would be appropriate if we send the Philippine Navy at this time. It will just escalate the situation."
"Rest assured that the armed forces will do its mandate when the time comes," Zagala added.
Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista revealed Monday Filipino fishermen had been subjected to water cannon from the Chinese coast guard Jan. 27 in Scarborough Shoal, an area in the South China Sea claimed by China, Taiwan and the Philippines.
While the actions of the Chinese were "not commensurate" with those of the fisherman, Zagala said, "our policy is to avoid confrontation to support the peaceful solution of the problems we're having in the region."
