By Priam Nepomuceno
MANILA – Increased Chinese presence and maritime activity in Ayungin Shoal will not affect the conduct of rotation and resupply (RORE) missions for the contingent manning the BRP Sierra Madre, a Philippine Navy (PN) official said Tuesday.
“The rotation and reprovisioning of our forces is a moral obligation of the leadership of the Armed Forces. Regardless of any threat, any coercive aggressive action, it will be conducted,” PN spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said in press briefing.
The World War II-era vessel BRP Sierra Madre has been grounded in Ayungin Shoal since 1999 and serves as a symbol of Philippine sovereignty in the area.
Referring to the small contingent of soldiers manning the ship, Trinidad said, “We owe it to the men and women in the frontlines to provide them with the appropriate support that they need, especially food and other important supplies.”
Past RORE missions in Ayungin Shoal had been met with aggressive actions from China, including harassment, obstruction, and water cannon attacks.
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. earlier said the Philippines will not alter its position on WPS despite reports of increased Chinese presence in Ayungin Shoal, stressing that any shift would be “to the great detriment of our national interest.”
As of Monday, the PN has monitored 13 Chinese maritime militia vessels, two China Coast Guard (CCG) ships, and one People’s Liberation Army Navy tugboat in Ayungin Shoal.
On Aug. 20, five CCG ships were detected, along with 11 rigid-hulled inflatable boats/fast boats, and nine maritime militia vessels.
The Philippines has consistently asserted its sovereign rights over Ayungin Shoal and the broader WPS, anchored on the 2016 Arbitral Award that invalidated China’s sweeping nine-dash line claim over the South China Sea. (PNA)
