TWO Navy ships and an Air Force plane delivered Christmas packages to troops, fisherfolks and community members in the West Philippine Sea in the South China Sea from December 11 to 18, the military reported yesterday.
The delivery of the Christmas items given by various organizations was not harassed by Chinese vessels in the area, said Commander Ariel Coloma, spokesman of the AFP Western Command.
“So far, there’s none (harassment). The delivery of the goods was successful. At the same time, they (ships and aircraft) were also able to conduct patrols.”
“During the past week, approximately one-half ton of food items were distributed to all nine Philippine-held features in the West Philippine Sea,” he also said.
Vessels of the China Coast Guard and Chinese militia vessels have been harassing Philippines vessels, particularly those carrying supplies for troops at Ayungin Shoal.
The Christmas packs were delivered by the BRP Jose Rizal and BRP del Pilar to Ayungin Shoal, Rizal Reef, and the islands of Kota, Lawak, Likas, Panata, Parola, and Patag.
The packs included noche buena items, rice, soya, and chicken meals,
A C-295 aircraft of the Philippine Air Force brought the Christmas packs to troops at Pag-asa Island, the largest among nine features occupied by Filipino troops.
Pag-asa Island, which is about 280 nautical miles from Puerto Princesa City in Palawan, serves as the seat of government of Kalayaan town in Palawan. Hundreds of civilians are living at the island.
Coloma said the military assets timed the delivery of the Christmas packs with patrols in the West Philippine Sea.
He also said the goods were given by the Atin Ito coalition whose Christmas convoy to the West Philippine Sea last December 10 was aborted due to Chinese shadowing.
Coloma said the Christmas packs that were supposed to be personally by Atin Ito to the troops and fisherfolks have been turned over to the military for distribution to the troops.
The Atin Ito Christmas packs were combined with goods given by the groups Rise Against Hunger, Las Piñas Horton Eagles Club, and the National Youth Movement for the West Philippine Sea.
Coloma said the groups did not join the actual delivery of the Christmas packs.
