The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reminded the China Coast Guard (CCG) that it does not need any permission just to get to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
AFP spokespeson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the conduct of rotation and reprovision (RORE) mission is a regular undertaking for the military.
The clarification came after the CCG announced that it "made temporary special arrangements" to allow the AFP to airdrop supplies to Filipino troops in Ayungin Shoal last week.
AFP tells China Coast Guard anew: We don't need permission to go to Ayungin
Jan 29, 2024 05:30 AM
At a glance
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reminded the China Coast Guard (CCG) that it does not need any permission just to get to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and perform a resupply mission for the troops guarding the Philippine outpost in the disputed waters.
AFP spokespeson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the conduct of rotation and reprovision (RORE) mission is a regular undertaking for the military as part of its duty to provide the required supplies for the marines manning BRP Sierra Madre (LS-57), a dilapidated Philippine Navy warship deliberately ran aground Ayungin Shoal to symbolize the Philippines' sovereignty over the area.
"The AFP regularly conducts the RORE mission. We keep [on] saying that we really are going to provide morale and welfare needs of our troops so to include those from LS-57. We do not actually need any permission from any country for us to do so," Padilla said on Monday, Jan. 29.
The clarification came after the CCG announced on Saturday, Jan. 27, that it "made temporary special arrangements" to allow the AFP to airdrop supplies to Filipino troops in Ayungin Shoal last week.
The AFP's first resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal this year had been scheduled on Jan. 20 to 21 but it did not push through as one of the boats used to bring the provisions, Unaizah Mae 1, encountered "technical difficulties."
The indigenous boat has been the subject of repeated harassment by the CCG.
During a resupply mission in December last year, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), which supported the undertaking, accused the CCG of firing water cannon and ramming Unaizah Mae 1 and another supply vessel motor launcher (M/L) Kalayaan.
Despite the challenges brought by China's presence in WPS, the AFP maintained that it will not deter in fulfilling its obligation to take care of its personnel, particularly those in critical areas such as Ayungin Shoal.
"Whatever it is the mission of the AFP, we will continue to fulfill our mandate," Padilla said.
"We are not bothered [by any statements from the CCG]," she added.