Navy clarifies smoke at BRP Sierra Madre was fire drill, not pollution

The Philippine Navy clarified that smoke seen at the BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal resulted from a routine fire drill conducted on February 28, not from harmful pollution as alleged by Chinese state media.

Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, explained that combustible materials were used in the drill, and strong winds contributed to the substantial smoke.

He asserted that the fire was controlled, no environmental damage occurred, and all personnel aboard were safe.

Trinidad dismissed the Chinese state media's report as deceptive messaging from the Chinese Communist Party.

He emphasized that such operational exercises are regularly conducted, at least monthly, to ensure the survivability and readiness of Philippine Navy warships.

The BRP Sierra Madre has been grounded at Ayungin Shoal since 1999 to assert Philippine sovereignty.