SUPPLY PACKAGE FOR FILIPINO TROOPS, SEIZED BY CHINESE IN AYUNGIN SHOAL

The China had recently accused Filipino soldiers pointing their guns at the China Coast Guard in Ayungin Shoal, following that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) released a video showing Chinese personnel trying to take supply package for the soldiers in the BRP Sierra Madre.

Resupply mission was still successful despite the interference of China (Photo courtesy of GMA Integrated News)

Both incidents on the released videos were taken on May 19 where a airdrop operation was performed by the Philippine Navy to bring items to the BRP Sierra Madre. According to the AFP, the resupply mission was still a success since soldiers were able to secure the other dropped supplies. The package was dumped backed onto the sea when the Chinese realized it’s just only food.

"Despite the CCG's obstructions on May 19, our mission to resupply our valiant troops stationed in the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal was largely successful. While some essential supplies were seized and dumped overboard by the CCG, our brave soldiers managed to secure the majority of the items that were delivered," AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said.

Meanwhile the Philippine Navy response on the video where Filipino troops pointing guns, chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. said, “That is why there were videos, images of our soldiers carrying their guns but they, again I’d like to emphasize, they did not point their guns to the Chinese. We are following a rule of engagement. The soldiers know that,” he added.

AFP also said that the Chinese agents used "dangerous" maneuvers after steering "very close" to Filipino soldiers. “Because of that intent of the Chinese Coast Guard to get our supplies they came very very close to the BRP Sierra Madre. From the point of view of our soldiers, this pose a danger, a threat because they were so close.” 

Since the shoal is just over 120 nautical miles from the Palawan mainland, resupply missions are critical to the soldiers' capacity to maintain continuous surveillance over the area. Since Chinese ships frequently harass rotation and resupply trips to the Sierra Madre, it serves as a flashpoint for tensions between Beijing and Manila.

Source: ABS-CBN News

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