The Philippines has successfully conducted another rotation and resupply (RORE) mission to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal despite the attempt of the China Coast Guards (CCG) to "block, harass, and interfere" with the routine, the National Security Council (NSC) said on Wednesday.
"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," the NSC's National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) said in a statement.
"The Philippines' resupply missions and maintenance of BRP Sierra Made are part of regular operations in line with domestic and international law and ensures safety and wellbeing of our stationed personnel,” the task force emphasized.
It stressed that the resupply trip is a legitimate exercise of the government’s administrative functions over the WPS, “in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the 2016 Arbitral Award, and domestic laws.
Ayungin Shoal is a part of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the country, which was already declared in the United Nations' 2016 arbitral ruling.
On August 22, the PCG successfully delivered its supplies to BRP Sierra Madre despite the CCG and Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) vessels attempting to "block, harass, and interfere."
Harassments of CCG have been experienced by the Philippine vessel multiple times, such as water cannoning and dangerous maneuvers indicating its claim in the seas.
