Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri on Friday, September 8 thanked and congratulated the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard for completing another resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre at the Ayungin Shoal once again. 

This is now the third successful mission in five weeks, the Senate leader noted.

“Once again, I salute our men and women of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and PCG for fearlessly staying on track to complete their mission, despite intimidation from the Chinese Coast Guard and militia vessels,” Zubiri said in a statement.

“This is a humanitarian resupply mission. Only barbarians at the gate will delight at seeing soldiers on a peaceful mission denied of food,” he added. 

Zubiri pointed out the country’s security forces as well as the coast guard personnel were able to pass through the waters despite the Chinese Coast Guard’s dangerous maneuvers and aggressive conduct. 

The vessels chartered by the AFP were the BRP Cabra and BRP Sindangan and they were escorted by PCG ships.

“As long as the law and truth are on our side, illegal barriers to what is ours will continue to be pierced, by the sharp tip of world opinion that upholds our cause as just,” Zubiri said.

“Despite these recent successes, we know that China continues to block our vessels on our waters, so we remain absolutely cautious and vigilant. And we, in the Senate, are prepared to assist our AFP and PCG with their budget, in aim of developing a credible self-defense posture that will allow them to continue protecting our country and our people,” he added.

Sen. Francis Tolentino, likewise, commended the PCG and the AFP for their bravery, noting that the Chinese Coast Guard even attempted to separate the BRP Cabra and BRP Sindangan enroute to Ayungin Shoal.

Tolentino said this bolsters lawmakers’ belief the need for the Philippine government to strengthen its alliances with other countries in the international community. 

“Nagpapasalamat tayo sa Panginoon na nakalusot yung dalawang resupply vessels natin (We are very thankful to God that our two resupplying vessels were able to successfully complete their mission),” Tolentino said in an phone interview.

Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada also welcomed the latest development and hoped that future missions "can proceed without interruption, allowing our military personnel to carry out their duties without unnecessary obstacles."

Estrada said the latest success underscores the significance of upholding international agreements and promoting peaceful coexistence in disputed areas in the West Philippine Sea.