Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 22) — Two navy ships successfully led the delivery of Christmas packages to troops, fisherfolk and communities in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) from December 11 to 18, the military reported.
The Naval Forces West stationed in Puerto Princesa, Palawan said the BRP Jose Rizal and BRP Gregorio Del Pilar led the ferrying of Christmas goods and essential supplies to maritime outposts in nine features of the Kalayaan Island Group, including Pag-asa Island.
“The Rotation and Reprovision operations, combined with the vigilance of the Maritime Patrol and Sovereignty Patrol, ensured the seamless execution of the mission,” added the statement released Thursday.
The Naval Forces West extended its gratitude to all the sponsors, different organizations, and partner stakeholders who supported the initiative.
“The success of this project is a testament to the power of collective goodwill and the impact that a united community can have on the lives of those communities and troops that are in the far-flung area of the country,” it said.
Organizations and private sponsors for the mission include ATIN ITO Coalition, The National Youth Movement for the WPS, Rise Against Hunger, Las Piñas Horton Eagles Club, and financial institutions based in Palawan.
The Christmas convoy organized by ATIN ITO Coalition previously decided to abort a similar mission and returned to El Nido, Palawan after four Chinese ships shadowed the Filipino vessels.
Two Chinese Navy ships, one China Coast Guard vessel, and one cargo ship began shadowing the convoy on Dec. 10, organizers said.
