AFP completes routine rotation to BRP Sierra Madre, sixth consecutive unimpeded mission

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) completed another routine troop rotation and resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal on Tuesday, March 4, without any incidents.

This sixth consecutive unimpeded mission involved delivering essential supplies and rotating personnel stationed at the grounded vessel that serves as a symbol of Philippine sovereignty within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) since 1999.

The AFP conducted the operation safely in close coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard, despite tracking several Chinese vessels in the area during the mission.

Col. Xerxes Trinidad, chief of the AFP public affairs office, reaffirmed the military's commitment to supporting Filipino defenders and upholding national sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.

Routine missions have become incident-free since the Philippines and China agreed to an indefinite implementation of a provisional agreement signed in July 2024, with this mission marking another milestone for the AFP.