BBM: BRP Sierra Madre purely a Phl concern

The condition of the BRP Sierra Madre the dilapidated warship that serves as a Philippine Navy outpost at Ayungin Shoal - is a "purely Filipino concern," President Marcos said, following reports that the US is providing advice on repairing the vessel.

- ALEXIS ROMERO

In a recent interview with Japanese broadcaster NHK, Marcos said while the US has been helping the Philippines conduct sea patrols, the situation of the Sierra Madre is a problem that Filipinos aim to address themselves.

"As far as the Philippines is concerned, the situation with the Sierra Madre is a purely Filipino concern.

Because of that, we have moved unilaterally in doing whatever it is we can to maintain the presence in Ayungin Shoal and ensure we can resupply our people there so that they can maintain our presence. The most I would say is that the Americans are conducting joint cruises in the vicinity," Marcos said.

"But in the specific case of Ayungin Shoal, the, we consider it a Philippine problem and we intend to solve that problem ourselves," he added.

Marcos noted that the US, a treaty ally of the Philippines, is not the only country sending ships to conduct patrols in the area.