5-4-2024 (MANILA) The Philippines’ top security official has affirmed that the country will persist in delivering supplies to troops stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, located in the West Philippine Sea. National Security Council (NSC) Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya expressed the Philippines’ unwavering commitment to assert its maritime claims in the region by maintaining the grounded warship.
During a maritime forum in Quezon City, Malaya stated, “Our commitment to maintaining BRP Sierra Madre will always be there. Any attempt by China to interfere with the resupply missions will be met by the Philippines in a fashion that protects our troops, both those doing the RoRe missions and those that are in LS-57.”
The NSC official acknowledged the frustration felt by the public regarding the situation in Ayungin Shoal, where Chinese coast guard and maritime militia vessels have consistently employed water cannons and executed dangerous maneuvers against Philippine supply vessels. Malaya emphasized that the NSC has presented recommendations to the president to address the issues and protect Filipino servicemen from harm.
While diplomatic approaches are being explored, Malaya expressed hope that incidents in Ayungin Shoal would not be repeated. He emphasized that resupply missions would continue unabated.
China claims Ayungin Shoal, which it refers to as Ren’ai Reef, as part of its Nansha Islands. The Chinese government has demanded the removal of BRP Sierra Madre from the shoal, citing an alleged promise made by Manila in the past. However, Philippine officials have refuted these claims.
Recently, a senator called for a congressional investigation into the alleged deal. Meanwhile, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez reiterated the country’s stance, asserting that the Philippines would not cede any of its territories. He emphasized the readiness to engage in serious discussions with China to resolve territorial disputes.
The ambassador made these remarks ahead of the trilateral summit scheduled for April 11, which will bring together President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., US President Joe Biden, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the White House. Romualdez outlined the expected topics of discussion, encompassing defense and security cooperation, addressing emerging security threats in the maritime domain, economic and technological collaboration, ensuring supply chain resilience, critical infrastructure development, digital transformation, and investment in clean energy.
