The China Coast Guard’s claim that it merely carried out “monitoring and following” and issued “verbal warnings” is false. On 24 September, a CCG vessel conducted dangerous maneuvers against M/V Lapu-Lapu that threatened a collision, after a PLA Navy warship warned it would take “compulsory measures.” China’s aggression and bullying have once again forced a humanitarian mission to turn back!
For your information, the Philippines did not breach any commitment. President Marcos has made clear that the 2024 provisional understanding does not require permission from Beijing for RoRe missions. The DFA has likewise affirmed that Ayungin cannot be claimed by any other state and that Philippine vessels need no permission to sail there!
BRP Sierra Madre is a commissioned Philippine Navy vessel within our exclusive economic zone, as affirmed by the 2016 Arbitral Award. Resupplying Filipino troops is neither illegal nor provocative. It is our government’s humanitarian obligation to our soldiers.
It is China that undermines the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, which calls for self-restraint. Sending numerous warships and coast guard vessels to intimidate an unarmed resupply boat is the opposite of restraint. Mahiya naman kayo!
Reporting the truth is not “hype.” The safety of Filipino personnel is not suspended for any festival. The Philippines will continue to sustain our personnel aboard BRP Sierra Madre and to exercise our sovereign rights in accordance with UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
