The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), on Friday completed a troop rotation and resupply mission at the BRP Sierra Madre (LS 57) in Ayungin Shoal.
AFP Public Affairs Office Chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad told reporters the operation used M/V Lapu-Lapu and docks alongside BRP Sierra Madre.
The operation coincides with China continuing to operate illegally off the Zambales Coast in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
“The AFP, together with the PCG, will continue to provide full support to our personnel, ensuring that they are equipped, cared for, and prepared to fulfill their duties in defending our national interests, especially in the WPS,” Trinidad said.
For its part, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said no untoward incidents were reported during the operation despite the presence of Chinese ships.
It thanked the professionalism of the men and women of the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard in the conduct of the mission.
This was the fifth rotation and reprovisioning (RORE) mission conducted under the ambit of the understanding reached between the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China on principles and approaches for conducting RORE missions in Ayungin Shoal to avoid misunderstandings and miscalculations, without prejudice to national positions.
“It demonstrates that effective diplomacy plays a leading role in West Philippine Sea issues and creates pathways to innovative approaches that help manage the situation, without compromising the Philippine national interest,” the DFA said.
The 10th Philippines-China Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) held in Xiamen this month saw the Philippines and China acknowledge the understanding’s positive outcomes and agree to continue its implementation to sustain the de-escalation of tensions.
“The Philippines views the latest RORE mission and the continued adherence to the understanding of the principles and approaches to such missions as substantial demonstrations of diplomatic and pragmatic cooperation in dealing with issues in the South China Sea, and the country’s commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy, consistent with the guidance of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr,” the DFA said.