October 22, 2023 – The typical Rotation and Resupply (RORE) mission to the BRP Sierra Madre (LS57) resulted in two major encounters involving Chinese naval vessels, which escalated tensions in the West Philippine Sea early this morning.
Unaiza May 2 (UM2), a Philippine-contracted resupply boat, and China Coast Guard vessel 5203 (CCGV 5203) collided at 0604H, 13.5 nautical miles east-northeast of LS57. The reckless behavior of the Chinese vessel placed the UM2 crew’s safety in jeopardy, according to Philippine authorities, emphasizing the growing threats that Filipino maritime activities in the area have to experience.
While settling about 6.4 nautical miles northeast of Ayungin Shoal, the Philippine Coast Guard vessel MRRV 4409 encountered trouble in another incident during the same resupply operation. This time, the collision involved a Chinese Maritime Militia vessel, 00003 (CMMV 00003).
The RORE mission proceeded effectively regardless of these provocative activities, when the replenishment vessel Unaiza May 1 (UM1) arrived at BRP Sierra Madre to provide necessities to the Filipino troops posted there.
Chinese vessels’ measures have been criticized by the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS), which has called them “irresponsible and illegal.” The task force emphasized that the behaviors infringe Philippine sovereignty and bypass international maritime laws, particularly the 2016 Arbitral Award and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Observation measures are currently in progress, and officials have been advised on the matter. The Philippine government is steadfast in its resolve to defend its rights in the afflicted waters. Since these occurrences have the potential to worsen regional connections, the international community continues to maintain careful watch on the situation.
The impact of these instances on the currently complicated situation in the West Philippine Sea will be meticulously tracked by both domestic and foreign investigators as tensions simmer in the area.