No incidents in Ayungin mission

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines resumed its resupply mission to Filipino troops stationed on BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal yesterday without “untoward incidents,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

The rotation and resupply (RORE) mission was the first since the Philippines and China signed an agreement aimed at reducing their growing tensions over Ayungin Shoal, also known as the Second Thomas Shoal.

“It was the first RORE mission conducted under the ambit of the understanding reached between the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China on principles and approaches for the conduct of RORE missions in Ayungin Shoal for the purpose of avoiding misunderstandings and miscalculations, without prejudice to national positions,” the DFA said in a statement.

The mission utilized the civilian vessel MV Lapu-Lapu, escorted by Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Cape Engaño.

“No untoward incidents were reported,” the DFA said.

“The lawful and routine RORE mission within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone is a credit to the professionalism of the men and women of the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard, and the close coordination among the National Security Council, Department of National Defense and the Department of Foreign Affairs,” the agency said.

The Philippines did not notify China prior to the resupply mission and there was no onsite inspection, DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said.

“No to prior notification and no to onsite inspection. We have previously clarified that in our statement,” Daza said in a message to reporters.

According to Daza, the RORE was meant to supply the necessary provisions to the personnel on board the BRP Sierra Madre.

“We were informed the Chinese coast guard vessels were at a reasonable distance with no risk of collision,” she added.

Meanwhile, China Coast Guard spokesman Gan Yu confirmed that the Philippines had carried out the resupply mission “in accordance with the temporary arrangement reached between China and the Philippines.”

“The Chinese coast guard acknowledged and supervised the whole process,” Gan said in a statement.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Philippine Foreign Secretary