Manila - The Philippine Navy successfully completed a resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre (LS-57), stationed at Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, amidst harassment from the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese maritime militia (CMM).
According to Philippines News Agency, the operation on 10 November 2023 encountered aggressive interference from Chinese vessels, including the use of water cannons, but managed to successfully deliver supplies to the Sierra Madre.
The NTF-WPS detailed that Philippine supply boats Unaizah Mae 1 (UM-1) and M/L Kalayaan faced "extremely reckless and dangerous harassment" from CCG vessels as they approached the BRP Sierra Madre. Despite these challenges, the boats achieved their mission. The Philippine Embassy in Beijing has formally protested these incidents to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, and the Department of Foreign Affairs has also conveyed its protest through the Maritime Communications Mechanism. The NTF-WPS strongly condemned China's unprovoked acts of coercion and dangerous maneuvers, which they claim undermine the sincerity of China's calls for peaceful dialogue.
These events follow an earlier incident on 22 October, where a Filipino resupply boat and its Philippine Coast Guard escorts were hit and damaged by CCG and CMM vessels. The NTF-WPS emphasized that the Philippines' actions are consistent with international law, specifically the United Nations Conventions on the Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. praised the bravery and dedication of the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard personnel involved in these missions. The NTF-WPS affirmed the Philippines' commitment to exercising its legal rights over its maritime zones, including Ayungin Shoal, and called on China to demonstrate responsible behavior as a member of the international community.
House Speaker Martin Romualdez condemned the recent actions of the CCG as an "unprovoked act of hostility," violating Philippine sovereignty and international law. He called for international support, particularly from ASEAN neighbors and allies, to uphold regional peace, the rule of law, and freedom of navigation. Romualdez demanded China respect the 2016 Hague tribunal ruling and cease its intimidations. He affirmed the Philippines' commitment to defending its rights and ensuring the safety of its citizens, emphasizing the nation's resolve for peace and the defense of its sovereignty.