AFP, PCG complete Ayungin Shoal resupply without incident

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) successfully completed their resupply mission for the BRP Sierra Madre stationed at Ayungin Shoal on September 26 without interference from Chinese vessels.

Up to eight Chinese vessels were present in the area during the operation, but they did not pose a threat to the mission, according to AFP spokesperson Col. Margareth Padilla.

Essential supplies and personnel rotations were carried out smoothly despite the presence of multiple Chinese vessels, demonstrating Philippine forces' continued vigilance and preparedness.

The recent mission is another test of the provisional arrangement reached between Manila and Beijing in July to de-escalate tensions around BRP Sierra Madre.

Since September 16, the number of Chinese ships in Ayungin Shoal has increased significantly, reaching a record-high of 72 vessels on September 23, despite the agreed-upon de-escalation measures.