The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in a late Friday statement reaffirmed that the Philippines has the right to conduct rotation and resupply (RORE) missions to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the exercise of its sovereignty and jurisdiction.
“The Provisional Understanding between the Philippines and China has paved the way for the conduct of such RORE missions without any untoward incidents,” the statement read.
“The Philippines will continue to implement the Provisional Understanding as agreed,” it added.
The DFA said it is aware of reports of an increase in Chinese vessel activity at Ayungin Shoal, a low-tide elevation within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf.
“The Philippines will continue to monitor the area to uphold its mandate of safeguarding Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction, while also ensuring the safety and welfare of our troops stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre,” the statement added.
On August 21, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported an increased presence of Chinese vessels in Ayungin Shoal, while rubber boats armed with crew-served weapons were also seen in the area.
For its part, the China Coast Guard (CCG) asked the Philippines to “immediately stop all infringement activities, provocations, and false accusations.”
