China vessels try blocking Ayungin resupply anew

MANILA, Philippines — Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels again tried – unsuccessfully – to stop Philippine vessels from sending provisions to the BRP Sierra Madre in the Ayungin Shoal on Wednesday.

The National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS), in a statement Wednesday night, confirmed Chinese attempt on Oct. 4 to stop a resupply mission – called routine rotation and resupply (RORE) by the military – for troops stationed on the Sierra Madre.

“Despite attempts by a significant number of China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese Maritime Militia vessels to block, harass, and interfere with the routine RORE mission, Philippine supply ships Unaizah May 1 and Unaizah May 2, escorted by PCG vessels BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) and BRP Sindangan (MRRV- 4407), successfully reached BRP Sierra Madre,” the NTF-WPS reported.

The NTF-WPS again stressed that resupply missions for the troops on Sierra Madre and the maintenance of the grounded warship are in accordance with international law and are regular operations aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of soldiers on the remote outpost.

“These missions are a legitimate exercise of the administrative functions of the Philippine Government over the WPS, in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the 2016 Arbitral Award, and domestic laws,” the NTF-WPS noted.

Meanwhile, Speaker Martin Romualdez, meanwhile, led a group of lawmakers yesterday in a visit to Pag-asa Island in Palawan where they assured local officials of help for a “development plan” for the tiny island municipality.

“It’s clear that Pag-asa island needs a development plan. The House will take the lead in coming up with such plan, being the institution responsible for the national budget and national policies that need legislation,” the House leader told reporters at a briefing.

With Romualdez were Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan and Rep. Zaldy Co (Ako Bicol party-list), chairman of the House appropriations committee.

“We will also help build a solar energy plant, ice and cold storage facilities, a desalination plant, satellite-based communication facilities, and conduct seafood-based livelihood training,” the Speaker said.