By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Thursday marks exactly two weeks since the rotation and resupply (RORE) mission on BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal was suspended due to an incident that transpired on September 24.
On that day, eight Chinese Coast Guard and People’s Liberation Army vessels blocked AFP’s resupply vessel M/V Lapu Lapu, which was also accompanied by three escort vessels from the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard.
The foiled resupply mission became a focal point of Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.’s visit to the AFP Western Command (WesCom) on Tuesday.
There, he engaged with the men and women at the frontlines in charge of the jurisdictional waters that include the Kalayaan Island Group and the Ayungin Shoal, with the latter hosting BRP Sierra Madre as the country’s permanent outpost in the West Philippine Sea.
Speaking before the battalion, Secretary Teodoro assured troops that future RORE Missions will continue despite the prevalent presence of Chinese vessels, noting that soldiers stationed at BRP Sierra Madre are fully prepared for these unique circumstances.
“Okay naman sila, mataas ang morale, at nakaranas na sila ng ganito noong araw. Hindi na bago sa kanila. Yun nga lang, at the end of the day, in the future, hindi natin pwedeng panatiliin na ganito ang estado ng ating WPS, kaya nandito tayo at gumagawa din tayo ng pundasyon for more sustainable operation sa area.”
For his part, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Antonio Nafarrete reaffirmed his support to WesCom troops, “We will maintain our presence and protect our national interest. How we carry out that responsibility matters. Our people must act with the discipline and professional judgment expected of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.”
The Defense Chief concluded by issuing a clarification on his earlier remarks condemning the involvement of certain Chinese schools and teacher exchange programs in alleged espionage activities, emphasizing that he’s only criticizing Jinan University’s assertion of China’s territorial claims over the Batanes islands. (with report from Patrick de Jesus | PTV News)
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