Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 19) — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Saturday urged the China Coast Guard (CCG) not to meddle with its upcoming rotation and resupply (RoRe) mission to troops stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.
\”We therefore call on all relevant parties to abide by their obligations under international law and respect the Philippines’ sovereign rights and jurisdiction over its maritime shoals,\” AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said in a media forum.
\”All the consequences that their singular act will do, the blame will be to them and to the authorities above them. So they should behave,\” he added.
A CCG ship on Aug. 5 blocked and fired water cannons at Philippine Coast Guard vessels escorting boats chartered by the AFP to deliver food and supplies to the BRP Sierre Madre.
One of the supply boats was not able to complete its mission because of the Chinese vessels’ \”dangerous maneuvers.\”
Despite the previous interference by the CCG, the AFP said it remains committed to conduct another RoRe mission that will \”take place soon.\”
“This exercise of our sovereign rights and jurisdiction is a testament to the full belief in the rules-based international order that underpins regional peace and stability,” Aguilar said.
\”The RoRe mission is a clear demonstration of our resolve to stand up against threats and coercion and the commitment of upholding the rule of law,\” he added.
