DFA: Ayungin resupply missions to continue

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal will continue under Manila's Provisional Understanding with Beijing, despite reports of increased Chinese vessel activity in the area.

- By ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS

"The rotation and resupply (RORE) missions to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal are routine humanitarian operations undertaken by the Philippines in the exercise of its sovereignty and jurisdiction," the DFA said in a message on Friday evening, Aug. 22.

It added that the Provisional Understanding between the Philippines and China has paved the way for the conduct of such RORE missions "without any untoward incidents."