Latest mission to Ayungin successful - AFP

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has again managed to deliver food and other supplies to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.

- By MICHAEL PUNONGBAYAN

Experiencing no interference from Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the military was also able to carry out its rotation of troops smoothly on Wednesday.

AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the latest rotation and resupply (RORE) mission to the Sierra Madre was conducted on Araw ng Kagitingan.

According to him, the mission was carried out in close coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and concluded without any untoward incident.

"As the nation marks the 83rd Anniversary of the Day of Valor, the AFP honors the courage and dedication of our soldiers aboard BRP Sierra Madre who continue to stand guard in the West Philippine Sea to uphold our sovereignty, sovereign rights and national interest," Trinidad said.

The AFP's RORE missions to Ayungin Shoal have met no interference or harassment from the China Coast Guard or its maritime militia vessels since July last year.

Earlier this year, the Department of Foreign Affairs admitted that the Philippine government has entered into a "provisional understanding" with China that now allows unimpeded RORE missions to the Sierra Madre.

However, it was stressed that the deal reached through a bilateral consultative mechanism does not compromise the country's sovereign rights in the WPS.