By Priam Nepomuceno | Philippine News Agency
The Philippines’ recent resupply mission for Filipino soldiers manning the BRP Sierra Madre (LS-57) in Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) was a success despite interference by the China Coast Guard (CCG), a military official said Tuesday.
“Despite the CCG’s obstructions on May 19, our mission to resupply our valiant troops stationed in the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal was largely successful. While some essential supplies were seized and dumped overboard by the CCG, our brave soldiers managed to secure the majority of the items that were delivered,” AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said in a media briefing.
She said the majority of the items brought by the Philippine Navy in an airdrop operation were secured by Filipino military personnel.
She added the CCG’s “aggressive and unprovoked interference” not only jeopardizes the safety and well-being of Filipino military personnel but also violated established international norms and protocols.
“Such behavior is unacceptable and undetermined efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region. We will continue to carry out our mission with unwavering dedication, ensuring that our troops are well supplied and prepared to defend our nation’s interest,” Padilla said.
This incident is the latest in the spate of Beijing’s acts of harassment in the WPS.
These include the March 23 incident in the Ayungin Shoal where a resupply mission and its escorts were heavily pummeled by water cannon blasts by the CCG and the April 30 humanitarian and patrol mission in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), which was also subjected to heavy water cannon attacks.
She said the AFP remains resolute and undeterred in its commitment to protecting Philippine sovereign rights and supporting Filipino troops stationed in the WPS.
