The Philippine Navy on Monday assured that soldiers aboard the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal will continue to receive regular provisions, stressing that no Filipino troop assigned there will go hungry.
Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said rotation and resupply missions (RORE) will proceed as scheduled despite possible harassment from Chinese vessels. “If ever there would be more coercive and aggressive actions, we have enough contingency plans in place,” he said.
Trinidad added that the timing of the next resupply run is up to the leadership of the Armed Forces’ Western Command. The last mission to the grounded vessel was conducted in July.
Past missions to Ayungin Shoal have been met with Chinese harassment, obstruction, and water cannon attacks. The BRP Sierra Madre, a World War II-era vessel grounded since 1999, remains manned by Filipino troops as a symbol of Philippine sovereignty, anchored on the 2016 Arbitral Award.
