The Philippines has successfully resupplied its troops stationed at Ayungin Shoal, Malacañang announced Tuesday, Nov. 23.
"Dumating na ang resupply boats sa Ayungin Shoal at nakarating na sa BRP Sierra Madre ngayong tanghali (The resupply boats have arrived at Ayungin Shoal and they reached BRP Sierra Madre this noon)," Cabinet Secretary and Acting Presidential Spokesperson Karlo Nograles said in a virtual press conference.
The announcement came a week after three Chinese Coast Guard vessels blocked and fired water cannons on two Philippine boats transporting supplies to military personnel in Ayungin Shoal.
Ayungin lies 105 nautical miles (194 kilometers) west of Palawan province in the Philippines and is within the country’s 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The Philippine Department of Foreign (DFA) protested the action, relaying its “outrage, condemnation, and protest” against what it called the “illegal” acts of the Chinese Coast Guard.
BRP Sierra Madre is a dilapidated, World War II era vessel that the Philippine Navy intentionally ran aground on Ayungin in 1999. It has since served as a detachment for Filipino marines, who maintain military presence there.
The Philippines acquired the vessel in April 1976.
Nograles had earlier said that the Philippines intends to keep its outpost at the shoal despite the incident last week.
"Yung pagpadala po ng resupply boats at ang pagdating po nila doon without any escorts is just a testament and proof that we can peacefully supply and resupply our Filipino citizens there," the Palace official said during the briefing.