AFP completes Christmas mission, boosts troop morale near disputed islands

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) completed its rotation and reprovisioning mission from December 3 to 14, delivering Christmas supplies and Noche Buena packages to troops stationed at nine island features in the West Philippine Sea.

During the mission, Western Command vessels provided essential provisions and morale-boosting gifts, enhancing troop welfare as part of the AFP's operations. Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad noted that Chinese Coast Guard ships and People's Liberation Army Navy vessels were observed near Ayungin Shoal but did not engage in any coercive actions.

AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. emphasized the importance of upholding international law while ensuring troop welfare during the holiday season, highlighting the success of the mission and the high morale among troops.

Trinidad stated that 2024 was a successful year for both the AFP and the country, with over 500 maritime surveillance, sovereignty patrols, and air surveillance flights conducted through Western Command and Northern Luzon Command.

The Philippines and China agreed in July on a provisional arrangement to de-escalate tensions regarding rotation and resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.