Para sa mga magiting na tropa! AFP completes resupply mission to Ayungin on Day of Valor
Just as the nation commemorated the 83rd anniversary of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on Wednesday, April 9, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) did not forget to honor the troops serving the country at a remote outpost in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The AFP completed a routine rotation and resupply (RORE) mission to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, bringing food, water, and other groceries for the marines and sailors onboard the World War II-era vessel.
“As the nation marks the 83rd Anniversary of the Day of Valor, the AFP honors the courage and dedication of our soldiers aboard BRP Sierra Madre who continue to stand guard in the West Philippine Sea to uphold our sovereignty, sovereign rights and national interest,” Col. Xerxes Trinidad, chief of AFP public affairs office, said.
Other details of the mission are yet to be disclosed as of this writing.
Trinidad said the RORE was carried out in close coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
Just like during the resupply mission last March 4, the AFP said the latest RORE “concluded without any untoward incident.”
This was a marked improvement from previous iterations of the mission where Chinese vessels would prevent Philippine vessels from delivering the provisions to the troops maintaining the outpost on Ayungin Shoal.
Meanwhile, AFP chief, General Romeo Brawner Jr. joined President Marcos Jr., Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., and national and local dignitaries in commemorating the Day of Valor at the historic Mt. Samat National Shrine in Pilar, Bataan.
The ceremony honored the sacrifices of Filipino heroes and served as a call to not only remember the past but to actively work towards a stronger and more united Philippines.
Brawner urged the nation to channel the spirit of valor into collective action for nation-building.
“We remain resolute in defending our nation, drawing strength from the courage and determination of those who came before us,” he said.
“As we honor the sacrifices of our heroes, let us also commit ourselves to building a stronger, more unified Philippines for future generations,” he added.