The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) recognized the United States’ reported offer to help them in conducting resupply missions in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal and fend off aggressive actions by Chinese maritime forces.

Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, AFP spokesperson, said the military appreciates US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan’s commitment to aid the Philippines in ensuring that the troops onboard the BRP Sierra Madre outpost will have consisted supply food and other provisions.

“The AFP values the support of the US and like-minded countries in fostering a peaceful and secure region based on international law. We remain committed to peaceful resolutions and will continue working with the US and other partners to uphold regional stability and our sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS),” Padilla said on Sunday, July 21.

“This support underscores the enduring partnership between our nations,” she added.

According to international news agency Reuters, Sullivan spoke at the Aspen Security Forum conference in Colorado recently about Washington’s commitment to defend Manila from an armed attack from a third-party country under the 1952 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), noting that it prefers that the resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre would continue despite Chinese aggression.

Although the AFP welcomes US’ offer of assistance, Padilla emphasized the country’s independence in ensuring that its sovereignty and sovereign rights are protected in the WPS.

“The AFP is committed to the welfare and readiness of our personnel in strategic locations like Ayungin Shoal. The Philippines will exhaust all means before seeking foreign intervention in fulfilling our mandate,” she said.

The military spokesperson also thanked the US for its reaffirmation of commitment to the MDT.

“The AFP welcomes the reaffirmation of the 1952 Mutual Defense Treaty, which ensures our assets at Ayungin Shoal are protected. This agreement strengthens our bilateral relations with the US.,“ Padilla said.

The AFP has been conducting resupply missions in the nine features that the Philippines occupies in the Spratly Islands or Kalayaan Island Group.

However, the last resupply mission on June 17 ended badly after a Philippine Navy personnel lost his thumb when a China Coast Guard (CCG) rigid hull inflatable boat deliberately rammed the AFP’s supply boat.

The Chinese forces also destroyed AFP boats as well as navigational and communications equipment using bladed weapons, and looted the Filipino troops’ firearms.

The AFP said a new strategy will be followed on the next resupply mission, but the detail as to when it would happen is not revealed.