Ayungin resupply ‘largely successful’ despite CCG’s ‘obstruction’—AFP

The BRP Sierra Madre is seen docked at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea on November 10, 2023. FILE PHOTO/Agence France-Presse

MANILA, Philippines — The latest resupply mission for the BRP Sierra Madre had been “largely successful” despite China Coast Guard’s (CCG) attempt to spoil the activity, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said.

“Despite China Coast Guard’s obstruction on May 19, our mission to resupply valiant troops in BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal was largely successful,” said AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla in an AFP press briefing.

CCG seized and dumped overboard food and other supplies meant for troops and also allegedly obstructed a medical evacuation of ailing soldiers assigned in BRP Sierra Madre last May 19, according to a Philippine Daily Inquirer report on Sunday.

READ: China Coast Guard seizes PH supplies for Ayungin

But Padilla noted that most of the supplies were retrieved by the troops.

“While some essential supplies were seized and dumped overboard by the CCG, our brave soldiers were able to pick up the items that were delivered,” Padilla also said.