The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Tuesday said Filipinos have a reason to celebrate the milestone achieved by their resupply mission
to BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal despite the threat from the Chinese Coast Guard and its militias.
In a statement, AFP Spokesman Army Colonel Medel Aguilar also lauded the two supply ships and the Philippine Coast Guard for delivering the
goods to Filipino Marines stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre.
“The Filipinos have a reason to celebrate today. Our rotation and reprovisioning (RORE) mission was successfully conducted and the
resupply boats and the PCG vessels escorting them are on their way back to their station in Palawan. Let us all pray for their safe
voyage back.” The AFP statement reads.
The Armed Forces commended the courageous and dedicated personnel aboard the resupply boats who precisely executed the said mission and
the appreciation of the Chief of Staff of the AFP, General Romeo Brawner Jr., to the PCG as they provided assistance to make the operation possible.
“The AFP leadership commends its courageous and dedicated personnel aboard the two resupply boats who executed the operation with
precision,” it said.
“General Romeo S Brawner Jr, the Chief of Staff, AFP expresses his deep appreciation for the assistance provided by the Philippine Coast
Guard to secure the two resupply boats. He also recognizes the great efforts spearheaded by the Western Command, AFP for the proper
planning, coordination, and execution of the RORE mission.” the statement added.
“Aside from ensuring the well-being of our personnel manning BRP Sierra Madre, this feat also demonstrated to the whole world the
Filipinos’ firm resolve to assert our sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the shoal which is within the country’s maritime
zones.” the statement says.
The AFP will support the country’s fulfillment of its obligations under existing international laws and conventions.
“The performance of such duty shall always be in a manner that promotes peace and in adherence to International Humanitarian Law,” it said.
“Finally, the AFP also expresses its profound gratitude to the strong support by the Filipino people that inspired every soldier to face the
risk, overcome the challenge and succeed.”