BRP Sierra Madre (PNA file photo)
MANILA – The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) on Wednesday night announced that another successful rotation and resupply (RORE) mission has been conducted for the military personnel stationed aboard the BRP Sierra Madre (LT-57) which is standing watch at Ayungin Shoal.
In a statement, NTF-WPS said the mission was done by combined efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)'s Western Command and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) upon instruction of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
"Despite attempts by a significant number of China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) vessels to block, harass, and interfere with the routine RORE mission, Philippine supply ships Unaizah May 1 and Unaizah May 2, escorted by PCG vessels BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) and BRP Sindangan (MRRV-4407), successfully reached BRP Sierra Madre," it added.
The Philippines’ resupply missions and maintenance of BRP Sierra Madre are part of regular operations in line with domestic and international law and ensure the safety and well-being of Filipino military personnel.
"These missions are a legitimate exercise of the administrative functions of the Philippine Government over the WPS, in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the 2016 Arbitral Award, and domestic laws," NTF-WPS said.
The task force also said the Marcos administration will remain steadfast in adhering to a rules-based international order.
"The NTF-WPS commends the dedication, determination, and professionalism exhibited by the men and women of our Armed Forces and Coast Guard," it noted. (PNA)
