AFP, PCG complete resupply mission amid China harassment

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) successfully completed a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, despite harassment from China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese maritime militia (CMM) vessels.

PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela confirmed the active and overt participation of "Chinese maritime militia (CMM) vessels" in blocking resupply ships, noting their role was previously more covert.

The CCG claimed Philippine vessels entered its waters without permission and asserted sovereignty over the area, stating it would continue law enforcement activities.

National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya labeled these acts as China's gray zone tactics and asserted that China has no authority to conduct law enforcement in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) reiterated that resupply missions are a legitimate exercise of Philippine jurisdiction within its exclusive economic zone and strongly condemned the continued illegal and aggressive conduct of Chinese vessels.