The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Thursday successfully completed its new rotation and resupply (RoRe) mission for the personnel aboard the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.
AFP Spokesperson Colonel Margareth Padilla, however, confirmed the presence of Chinese vessels in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal during their mission.
“The presence posed no threat to our mission, and our personnel were able to complete the mission and sustain our presence in the shoal,” Padilla told reporters, noting that up to eight different Chinese vessels were monitored in the vicinity.
“AFP was able to deliver supplies and rotate our personnel without interference,” she added.
The AFP said it remains vigilant and prepared to respond to any challenges in protecting its personnel and operations.
The mission happened with around 251 reported Chinese vessels swarming in the West Philippine Sea. Last June 17, Beijing and Manila clashed over the said area while the latter was conducting the same mission.
