SEE THING CONTENTION After ramming of a Philippine Coast Guard vessel at Escoda (Sabina) Shoal, concerns over China’s sincerity in keeping regional tensions down shift back to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, site of the rusting Philippine military outpost, the BRP Sierra Madre. —NIÑO JESUS ORBETA
A mission to resupply Filipino troops on the grounded vessel BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal was completed despite the presence of up to eight Chinese vessels in the area, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said on Friday.
AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Padilla said Thursday’s rotation and reprovision (Rore) mission was able to proceed unhampered as the Chinese ships “posed no threat.”
“We confirm the presence of Chinese vessels in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal during our execution of mission,” Padilla said.
“AFP was able to deliver supplies and rotate our personnel without interference. We remain vigilant and prepared to respond to any challenges in protecting our personnel and operations.”
The success of the latest Rore mission, Padilla noted, enabled the AFP troops to maintain Philippine presence in the shoal.
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The AFP gave an update on the Sierra Madre 13 days after the Philippine Coast Guard pulled out its largest vessel from another shoal, Escoda (Sabina), after being stationed there for five months.
The PCG’s Teresa Magbanua was forced to return to port due to dwindling provisions and ailing crew members, and amid continued swarming and harassment by Chinese vessels.
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