Latest RoRe mission at West Philippine Sea went smoothly – DFA

FILE PHOTO: The BRP Sierra Madre, a Navy warship that now serves as military outpost, keeps watch over Ayungin (Second Thomas), located within the country’s exclusive economic zone. Nearby are Chinese coast guard and militia vessels in this shot taken on February 21, 2023, during an aerial surveillance by the Philippine Coast Guard. Philippine Daily Inquirer/Niño Jesus Orbeta

MANILA, Philippines — The country’s first rotation and resupply (RoRe) mission to BRP Sierra Madre in the West Philippines Sea, following an “understanding” with China regarding such trips to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, went smoothly.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported this development in a statement as the RoRe mission pushed through on Saturday, July 27.

It credited the “lawful and routine” RoRe mission to the professionalism of personnel from the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard, and the close coordination among the National Security Council, Department of National Defense, and DFA.

READ: West Philippine Sea: PH, China reach understanding on Ayungin missions – DFA

“The Philippines conducted a rotation and reprovisioning (RoRe) mission to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal on 27 July 2024. The mission utilized the civilian vessel MV Lapu-Lapu, escorted by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel BRP Cape Engaño. No untoward incidents were reported,” the DFA said.

“It was the first RoRe mission conducted under the ambit of the understanding reached between the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China on principles and approaches for the conduct of RoRe missions in Ayungin Shoal for the purpose of avoiding misunderstandings and miscalculations, without prejudice to national positions,” it added.

READ: DFA: PH, China committed to easing tensions in West Philippine Sea

Last July 21, the DFA said the Philippines and China have reached “an understanding” on a provisional arrangement for RoRe missions to Filipino troops stationed at BRP Sierra Madre, the grounded World War II  ship in Ayungin Shoal.

It did not provide further details but said the understanding was reached after discussions between the two countries during the 9th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea held in Manila on July 2.

Monitored by Chinese Coast Guard

According to a spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, the RoRe mission to the Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal was monitored by the CCG.

“The entire process was monitored by China Coast Guard. China had been notified of the resupply before it was carried out. After confirming on-site that the Philippine vessel carried only humanitarian living necessities, the Chinese side let the vessel through,” the official said in a press conference.

The spokesperson further asserted China’s claim over the Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, noting that, “China’s position on the Ren’ai Jiao [Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal] issue has not changed. China has sovereignty over Ren’ai Jiao, the rest of Nansha Qundao and their adjacent waters. China will continue to properly deal with relevant territorial issues and disputes over maritime rights with the Philippines through dialogue and consultation.”