The Philippines successfully delivered supplies to the crew of the BRP Sierra Madre, a grounded Navy ship serving as an outpost at Ayungin Shoal. This mission, carried out on Tuesday, was confirmed by the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS), signifying the nation’s unwavering commitment to assert its sovereignty in disputed international waters.

“The routine follow-up Rotation and Resupply (RoRe) mission to the BRP SIERRA MADRE (LS 57) was successfully conducted today, August 22, through the combined efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard,” stated the NTF WPS in a press release.

The delivery of fresh provisions to the dedicated military personnel stationed aboard the BRP Sierra Madre underscores the Philippines’ resolve to maintain a presence in the Ayungin Shoal, a territory claimed by both the Philippines and China.

Yet, the mission was not without its challenges. Videos captured by Agency France-Presse revealed a Chinese Coast Guard ship closely tailing a Philippine supply boat, and Chinese Coast Guard vessels deliberately obstructing the path of a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) boat.

“China has indisputable authority over the Nanshan islands, including Ren’ai reef and its adjacent waters,” said CCG radio challenge received by the BRP Cabra.

In the face of these adversities, the Philippine Coast Guard firmly asserted its stance, invoking international law and the nation’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) rights. They answered the radio challenges initiated by their Chinese counterparts during the mission, emphasizing their lawful and routine maritime patrol activities within the Philippines’ EEZ.

“In the spirit of humanism, we only permit your ship carrying food and other necessary living materials and the rotating personnel without construction materials to the illegally grounded vessel. Over,” said another Chinese radio challenge.

“In accordance with international and Philippine national laws, we are proceeding according to our planned route,” declared the PCG.

The exchange of radio messages took place near the Sabina Shoal, just 248 kilometers from Palawan, en route to Ayungin Shoal, located 315 kilometers from Palawan. Both these locations are indisputably within the EEZ of the Philippines.

However, China’s radio challenges persisted. They opposed the transportation of construction materials for the repair of the BRP Sierra Madre, the stranded ship at Ayungin Shoal. This vessel, manned by more than a dozen Marines and sailors, has become a potent symbol of Philippine sovereignty within the disputed territory.

The PCG remained steadfast, reminding their Chinese counterparts that they were well within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone. They cautioned that China’s actions could strain Philippine-China relations and would be reported to the relevant authorities.

Despite these diplomatic tussles, the PCG held their ground, affirming their right to safe passage and urging the Chinese vessels to steer clear to avoid any collision.

Notably, the PCG’s resilience has drawn international attention and garnered global support. Jay Tarriela, spokesperson for the PCG on the West Philippine Sea, remarked, “The David and Goliath optics, every time we capture that photo, they are being widely condemned in different parts of the globe, so they now modified their style, they deployed smaller vessels.”

Adding to the tension, former US Air Force official and maritime security expert Ray Powell disclosed that China had deployed four militia ships from Mischief Reef to assume “blockade positions” as Philippine ships made their way to Ayungin Shoal. The Philippine mission was escorted by Philippine Coast Guard vessels BRP Cabra and BRP Sindangan, ensuring the safe passage of supply ships Unaizah May 1 and Unaizah May 2.

As the Philippines continues to assert its presence in the disputed waters and stand its ground, the BRP Sierra Madre remains grounded at Ayungin Shoal since 1999, symbolizing the nation’s sovereignty and steadfast resistance amid rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea.