MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – It was supposed to be a goodwill visit to the Philippine Navy’s flagship vessels to meet the Filipino patriots and world-class officers.

Everything was going as planned, with self-proclaimed political analyst Richard Heydarian wining and dining with Navy personnel. But then, at one point, a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel cruised by the Philippine Navy ship somewhere near Ayungin Shoal in the South China Sea.

From out of the blue Heydarian stood on deck and saluted the CCG! A true Chinese patriot!

WASHINGTON, D.C. (The Adobo Chronicles, Washington Bureau) – The United States has assured that it will defend the Philippines against any armed foreign attack as part of the two countries’ Enhanced Defense Cooperative Agreement (EDCA).

The American assurance came in the wake of the recent water cannon attack by the Chinese Coast Guard on a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) resupply boat.

But an attack is only considered an act of war if firepower is used. Water does not qualify.

So, in the meantime, the U.S. is supplying the PCG with high-powered water guns to counter any non-firepower attacks by China. Yes, including water cannons.

Newly-appointed Special Presidential Envoy to China on Special Concerns Teddy Boy Locsin, Jr. praised the American donation of water guns, saying Uncle Sam is a true friend and ally of the Philippines.

MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has vowed to resist any efforts to forcefully remove the BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal in the disputed territory of the South China Sea.

AFP said it will equip Sierra Madre and all vessels of the Philippine Coast Guard as well as all Air Force planes and helicopters with high-powered sling shots manufactured in the country.

“We will not be intimidated by the Chinese Coast Guard’s use of water cannons like it used to drive away a PCG resupply boat last week,” an AFP spokesperson told The Adobo Chronicles.