MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reiterated that the rotation and resupply missions to the beached BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal are legitimate and routine activities in the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EZZ).

In a forum, Chinese envoy Huang Xilian claimed that “there has never been a problem with the delivery of humanitarian supplies” for the military personnel stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre, but pointed out that “the problem arose when the Philippines transported large-scale building materials”.

In a statement released by the DFA on Wednesday, August 23, it said that the country does not need any other country’s approval for doing resupply missions because it is well within the jurisdiction of the Philippines.

“The rotation and resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre are legitimate and routine activities in our EEZ. The Philippines’ exercise of its sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction within our maritime zones is not subject to any other country’s approval. This is the norm,“ the statement said.

In a Laging Handa briefing, spokesperson on the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela said that the resupply mission for Filipino soldiers in the BRP Sierra Madre was not easy because of harassment and blocking done by the China Coast Guard and Chinese maritime militia vessels.

This is the Philippines’ second resupply mission this month, with two PCG ships escorting vessels commissioned by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). The first resupply mission on August 5 was interrupted by China when China Coast Guard and military militia ships blocked, harassed and used water cannons at the Philippine vessels.

The August 5 resupply mission and China’s attempts to block the Philippine vessels drew international support for the Philippines from ally countries like the United States, Japan, European Union, and Australia.