Smooth sailing on latest Ayungin resupply mission

A supply mission to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal over the weekend went smoothly, with Chinese vessels maintaining their distance and showing no sign of hostility, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said yesterday.

- GHIO ONG and JANVIC MATEO

"The Chinese vessels maintained their distance and did not disrupt the resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal," PCG Commodore Jay Tarriela said.

Video recording of the supply mission showed four China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels, three People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy and two militia vessels in stationary position as the supply mission was ongoing.

CCG's and the world's biggest coast guard ship with bow number 5901 was reportedly in the vicinity of Escoda (Sabina) Shoal, where it dropped anchor some two weeks ago. Watching its movement is PCG's 97-meter patrol vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua.

Tarriela said videos "clearly show that there was no boarding or inspection by the Chinese Coast Guard, contradicting the claims made by the Chinese foreign ministry." China earlier warned it would stop any supply mission done without its prior knowledge.