Philippine Navy conducts fire drill on BRP Sierra Madre, denies environmental damage

Smoke seen from the BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal was due to a fire drill conducted by the Philippine Navy as part of regular operational exercises on February 28.

Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, confirmed that while strong winds caused more smoke than intended, all men aboard were safe and the drill was successful.

Chinese state broadcaster CGTN reported environmentally damaging activities but Trinidad denied these allegations, calling them part of China's deceptive messaging strategy to influence public perception.

The Philippine Navy emphasized vigilance against disinformation in the information domain to protect national sovereignty and rights in the West Philippine Sea.

In February, a total of 260 vessels were monitored in the WPS by the AFP, including 19 PLA-N and CCG vessels near disputed areas.

Trinidad further clarified during a press briefing that the smoke was due to a fire drill using combustible materials for realism and stressed that there was no environmental damage.

The PN official reiterated that these claims are part of China's deceptive messaging strategy in the information domain, aimed at influencing public perception.