WEAPON IN HAND The Armed Forces of the Philippines, which released this photo, said one of the China Coast Guard members shown here (center) wielded a pickaxe and made threatening gestures during their encounter with Filipino troops on a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas) on June 17, 2024.
MANILA, Philippines — Various Chinese maritime forces were spotted during the rotation and resupply mission (RoRe) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal on Saturday.
Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, revealed this in a statement on Sunday despite authorities’ successful mission to BRP Sierra Madre.
READ: PH resumes Ayungin resupply trips after deal with China
“The AFP used the civilian vessel ML Lapu-Lapu, which was escorted by the PCG vessel BRP Cape Engaño (MRRV-4411),” Tarriela wrote on X on Sunday.
“During the operation, various Chinese maritime forces were observed in the vicinity, including four Chinese Coast Guard vessels, three People’s Liberation Army-Navy vessels, and two Chinese Maritime Militia vessels,” he noted.
“During the entire duration of the mission, the Chinese vessels maintained their distance and did not undertake any action to disrupt the RoRe,” he added.
The PCG official said the AFP was able to deliver the supplies to personnel stationed in BRP Sierra Madre while also rotating them with newly deployed troops.
Tarriela also mentioned the country’s “provisional understanding” with China over the resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal, which aims to de-escalate tensions and prevent misunderstanding and miscalculations at sea.
“The understanding explicitly does not prejudice the national position of the Philippines,” he pointed out.
“The guidance of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. is clear: The Philippines is committed to the cause of peace, but we will not be deterred nor will we yield,” his statement reads.
“We fully expect China to adhere to the provisions of the ‘provisional understanding.’ Both sides should deal with differences in a constructive manner and never through coercion and intimidation,” it adds.
‘No boarding and inspection’
Tarriela also pointed out that the country did not and will never ask permission from the Asian superpower to conduct its resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal.
“There was also no boarding and inspection by the Chinese Coast Guard, as claimed by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, in its statement yesterday,” the official clarified.
“Notwithstanding the provisional understanding with the PRC, the position of the Philippines is steadfast, unwavering, and has not changed,” Tarriela said.
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“Ayungin Shoal is a low tide elevation not subject to sovereignty claims by the PRC as ruled by the Arbitral Tribunal in its 2016 Award,” he stressed.