The Philippines successfully carried out a rotation and reprovisioning mission to the BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal on Saturday without any untoward incidents, according to a statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
The DFA noted that the resupply mission was undertaken by the chartered vessel MV Lapu-Lapu, accompanied by the Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Cape Engaño.
“It was the first RORE mission conducted under the ambit of the understanding reached between the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China on principles and approaches for the conduct of RORE missions in Ayungin Shoal for the purpose of avoiding misunderstandings and miscalculations, without prejudice to national positions,” the department also stated.
Regarding the proximity of Chinese ships, the DFA reported, “On your question on how far were the Chinese ships from ours, we were informed the Chinese Coast Guard vessels were at a reasonable distance with no risk of collision.”
Manila and Beijing have acknowledged a “temporary” agreement on resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre, aiming to reduce tensions in the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.
Previous resupply missions encountered dangerous maneuvers and water cannon use by the China Coast Guard and Chinese maritime militia vessels.
A confrontation on June 17 between Filipino and Chinese boats resulted in a Filipino sailor losing his finger after their boat was rammed and boarded by Chinese personnel.
“The lawful and routine RORE mission within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) is a credit to the professionalism of the men and women of the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard, and the close coordination among the National Security Council, Department of National Defense, and the Department of Foreign Affairs,” the DFA said Saturday.
In Laos, during an Association of Southeast Asian Nations foreign ministers’ meeting, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized that the Philippines should honor its commitments under the agreement. “Otherwise, China will definitely respond resolutely,” he said.
Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, speaking to reporters late Friday, expressed hope that Beijing would uphold its part of the deal. “If the parties implement, and we hope China implements the agreement, then we’ll be able to resupply our military personnel on the ship without any obstruction,” he said. “I think that would be an important step forward in diffusing tensions and hopefully lead to other areas of cooperation on the South China Sea.”