MANILA and Beijing have reached an agreement for the rotation and resupply mission (RoRe) to Filipino troops manning the grounded Navy ship BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.
“The Philippines and the People’s Republic of China have reached an understanding on the provisional arrangement for the resupply of daily necessities and rotation (RoRe) missions to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal,” the DFA said in a statement last night.
“This was achieved after a series of consultations following the frank and constructive discussions between the two sides during the 9th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea in Manila on 2 July 2024,” the DFA added.
The DFA said “that both sides continue to recognize the need to de-escalate the situation in the South China Sea and manage differences through dialogue and consultation and agree that the agreement will not prejudice each other’s positions in the South China Sea.”
But the department has yet to provide additional details. The Chinese Embassy in Manila also has yet to issue a statement.
The BCM was held two weeks after a violent confrontation took place between Chinese and Filipino personnel during a similar RoRe run to Ayungin.
Chinese coast guard personnel brandished knives and other bladed weapons while their vessel rammed a Filipino rigid hull inflatable boat.
A Filipino sailor lost his thumb in the incident while Chinese Coast Guard personnel punctured the Navy’s RHIB and took away seven firearms.
Armed Forces chief Lt. General Romeo Brawner said the two RHIB sustained P60 million in damages.
The incident, along with previous Chinese harassment of Filipino vessels in the area, prompted condemnation and concerns from the United States, Japan, the European Union, France, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and many other countries.
Washington also reiterated its commitment to come to Manila’s aid should its ally come under attack based on the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty.
The latest agreement could help ease tension in the area, a major flashpoint that experts said could lead to a military conflict.
During the BCM, DFA Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and his Chinese counterpart, Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong, agreed to find a “mutually acceptable resolution to the issues” despite “significant differences” in their respective countries’ positions.
Last week, a new mechanism that would allow the presidential offices of the Philippines and China to directly reach out to each other through an emergency hotline was established amid continuing tension between the two countries over competing maritime claims.
WITH NO US SUPPORT
National Security Adviser Eduardo Año yesterday said that while the Philippines appreciates the support of the United States, the government will conduct the rotation and reprovisioning (RoRe) of troops assigned at Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on its own.
“The RoRe will remain to be a pure Philippine operation,” said Año, the chairman of the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea which is supervising efforts to protect Philippine interests in the West Philippine Sea.
Last Friday, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said the US “will do what is necessary” to ensure the Philippines can resupply its troops at Ayungin Shoal.
Sullivan has also said the US “will continue to support the Philippines and stand behind them as they take steps to be able to ensure that.”
The Philippines deliberately beached the BRP Sierra Madre in 1999 to reinforce its claims over disputed waters around the shoal and has since maintained a small contingent of sailors.
“There is no need at this time for any direct involvement of US forces in (the) RoRe mission,” said Año. “But we appreciate the US support in all aspects being our main ally and its assurance of ironclad commitment to the MDT.”
“NSA (National Security Adviser) Sullivan’s statement is about the US Government’s assurance of the continuing support to the Philippines as a treaty ally and partner, including its concern in ensuring a peaceful and orderly rotation and resupply to our soldiers manning the BRP Sierra Madre,” said Año.
Chinese vessels have harassed Philippine military resupply missions for its troops at the Philippine-held Ayungin Shoal in the past months through dangerous maneuvers, water cannoning and even ramming.
The last RoRe conducted by the Armed Forces for its troops stationed at the Philippine-held Ayungin Shoal last June 17 was harassed by the Chinese, causing severe injury to a Philippine Navy sailor. The Chinese also took seven firearms and other equipment of the Filipino troops.
National Security Council Assistant Director General and spokesman Jonathan Malaya said: “As far as the RORE is concerned, we’re keeping it as a purely Philippine operation utilizing Philippine ships, personnel and leadership.”
However, Malaya said that stance “may change, depending on the guidance from top management but that’s the direction or policy at present.”
Malaya said the government appreciates the intention of US to help in the conduct of RoRe, adding “we will continue to consult them as treaty allies in moving forward.”
AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the military appreciates the “strong commitment” made Sullivan, adding “this support underscores the enduring partnership between our nations.”
“The AFP is committed to the welfare and readiness of our personnel in strategic locations like Ayungin Shoal. The Philippines will exhaust all means before seeking foreign intervention in fulfilling our mandate,” said Padilla. — With Victor Reyes
