The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) confirmed that the recent resupply and personnel rotation mission to the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) proceeded smoothly on Thursday.
“There were no untoward incidents during the mission,” stated the AFP.
“The AFP continues to uphold its mandate of safeguarding Philippine sovereignty and ensuring the welfare of its stationed personnel in the West Philippine Sea,” they added.
Support for this routine operation was provided by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), which is part of ongoing efforts to sustain AFP personnel stationed on the vessel.
This development follows a July understanding between the Philippines and China aimed at preventing further confrontations in the area, after a tense encounter in June.
Ayungin Shoal, located in the Spratly Islands, lies 105 nautical miles west of Palawan within the Philippines’ 200-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The BRP Sierra Madre has been grounded at the shoal since 1999 and serves as a critical assertion of Philippine sovereignty in these contested waters.
Navy Spokesperson for WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad noted the ongoing presence of Chinese naval and coast guard ships throughout the WPS, with at least 15 CCG and 14 PLA Navy vessels sighted in the region during October.
