Amid the tension between China and the Philippines when it comes to the resupply mission, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner Jr. said that many soldiers want to be deployed in Ayungin Shoal.
As interviewed by Edniel Parrosa on DZRH Stories, Brawner mentioned that the soldiers want to experience being assigned to the said location and feel like contributing to the country in defending its territory.
"In fact, maraming mga nagvo-volunteer na ma-assign dito. Unang-una, gusto nilang ma-experience na ma-assign sa lugar na ito," he mentioned.
"Pangalawa, sabi nila, ay talagang parang feeling nila yun ay contribution nila para sa pagdepensa ng ating teritoryo," he continued.
Brawner also mentioned that the AFP provides an allowance for the soldiers deployed in Ayungin Shoal, which they call ‘loneliness pay.
He explained that if the soldiers are assigned to a certain location with no community, they are entitled to the said pay, which will be added to their compensation.
"Kapag kayo po ay na-assign sa lugar na malayo, walang komunidad sa paligid. Entitled ang mga sundalo natin sa tinatawag nating 'loneliness pay, he said.
Moreover, Brawner said that since the BRP Sierra Madre has already been grounded in Ayungin Shoal since 1999, part of the resupply mission is maintaining its structure.
The AFP chief of staff explained that the resupply mission includes bringing materials needed to ensure that the structure of the BRP Sierra Madre remains livable and habitable.
