On Wednesday, the National Security Council (NSC) refuted China’s claim that the rotation and resupply missions conducted by Philippine government troops in the West Philippine Sea were “illegal.” This statement came in response to Beijing’s allegation that a Filipino vessel had “illegally landed” at Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, an underwater feature located approximately 195 kilometers off Palawan province. Ayungin is home to the BRP Sierra Madre, a dilapidated warship grounded since 1999, serving as a crucial military outpost for the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea.
Jonathan Malaya, Assistant Director General of NSC, emphasized that the resupply missions to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin were entirely lawful, echoing the stance of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, AFP spokesperson, highlighted the flawless execution of the first sea resupply mission of the year to the troops stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre over the weekend.
Addressing another point of contention, Malaya dismissed China’s report alleging the driving away of a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel patrolling at Scarborough Shoal, locally known as Bajo de Masinloc. He asserted that the “driving away” narrative was nothing more than a product of China’s imagination.
