Another resupply mission to Ayungin successful despite China’s attempts to harass, interfere again – NSC

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 4) — The Philippines successfully conducted another resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal despite attempts by China “to block, harass, and interfere,” the National Security Council said on Wednesday.

“Upon instructions of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., a regular and routine Rotation and Resupply (RORE) mission to deliver fresh provisions to our military personnel stationed at BRP Sierra Madre was conducted today,” the NSC’s National Task Force-West Philippine Sea said in a statement.

It added that a significant number of China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese Maritime Militia vessels attempted “to block, harass, and interfere with the routine RORE mission.”

“The Philippines' resupply missions and maintenance of BRP Sierra Made are part of regular operations in line with domestic and international law and ensures safety and wellbeing of our stationed personnel,” the task force stressed.

It said the resupply trip is a legitimate exercise of the government’s administrative functions over the WPS, “in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the 2016 Arbitral Award, and domestic laws.

On Aug. 5, the CCG fired water cannons on Philippine ships, halting the resupply mission.

A few weeks later, on Aug. 22, the Philippines finished the resupply mission despite harassment from the CCG.

A resupply operation on Sept. 8 was similarly marred by China's dangerous maneuvers and harassment.

Manila purposefully grounded the BRP Sierra Madre in 1999 due to Beijing’s encroachment on marine features near the shoal.