The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) successfully completed a troop rotation and resupply mission at the BRP Sierra Madre (LS 57) in Ayungin Shoal on January 24, 2025.
This mission was carried out in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to ensure the continued support and readiness of Philippine personnel stationed at the shoal.
The AFP reaffirmed its commitment to the security and well-being of its troops in the area, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong presence in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
"The AFP, together with the PCG, will continue to provide full support to our personnel, ensuring that they are equipped, cared for, and prepared to fulfill their duties in defending our national interests, especially in the West Philippine Sea," an AFP statement read.
The troop rotation and resupply were conducted more than a week after the 10th Bilateral Consultation Meeting between the Philippines and China, which aimed to ease tensions in the contested waters of the West Philippine Sea.
On January 6, the AFP also succeeded in their rotation and resupply mission despite challenges posed by rough sea conditions and the ongoing presence of Chinese vessels in the area.
The ongoing presence of AFP personnel at Ayungin Shoal, home to the grounded BRP Sierra Madre, remains a symbol of the Philippines' assertion of its sovereignty in the region.
