DESPITE the continuous presence of the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG), the government troops stood firm during their latest resupply mission for BRP Sierra Madre on the morning of Friday, November 10.
In an official statement, the National Task Force-West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) declared that the rotation and resupply mission (RoRe) by the armed forces of the Philippines, in collaboration with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), was accomplished at Ayungin Shoal.
According to the NTF-WPS, similar to their previous resupply mission, the Chinese Coast Guard attempted to block the government’s resupply boat until it reached Ayungin lagoon.
“At 0730H, today, 10 November 2023, China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) vessels recklessly harassed, blocked, executed dangerous maneuvers in another attempt to illegally impede or obstruct a routine resupply and rotation mission to BRP Sierra Madre (LS 57) at Ayungin Shoal,” NTF on WPS, statement.
NTF-WPS also said that the CCG deployed water cannons in an unsuccessful attempt to alter the course of the Philippine Supply Vessel M/L Kalayaan.
“CCG Vessel 5203 deployed water cannon against Philippine Supply Vessel M/L Kalayaan in an illegal though unsuccessful attempt to force the latter to alter course. Supply boats Unaizah Mae 1 (UM1) and M/L Kalayaan were also subjected to extremely reckless and dangerous harassment at close proximity by CCG Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boats (RHIB) inside Ayungin Shoal lagoon during their approach to BRP Sierra Madre,” NTF on WPS, added.
The task force once again condemned the alleged dangerous actions of the CCG.
“We condemn, once again, China’s latest unprovoked acts of coercion and dangerous maneuvers against a legitimate and routine Philippine rotation and resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal, that has put the lives of our people at risk,” NTF on WPS, said.
Meanwhile, the CCG accused the Philippines of violating China’s territorial sovereignty, the declaration on the conduct of parties in the South China Sea, and the country’s supposed earlier promises.
“The Philippines’ act infringes upon China’s territorial sovereignty, violates the declaration on the conduct of parties in the South China sea, and breaks its own promise,” China Coast Guard statement.
