AFP: Soldiers undeterred, resupply missions to continue

The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Friday said resupply missions in the country's exclusive economic zone would continue despite threats and harassment from China.

“Mayroon po tayong exclusive economic zone (EEZ), at dapat ang mga Pilipino, lalo na ‘yung mga fisherfolks ay malayang makapunta dito para makapangisda,” AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. said in a “24 Oras” interview with Joseph Morong.

After successfully resupplying the BRP Sierra Madre on Tuesday, the BRP Laguna was expected to arrive at Pag-asa Island on Friday evening.

“Ang importante kasi ay malagyan natin ng presensya yung mga islands na ito,” said Brawner.

Aside from the soldiers stationed in the area, the residents of Pag-asa Island also rely on the resupply missions. However, the resupply missions could not be carried out all at once as there were not enough ships.

“Hangang-hanga kami sa mga sundalo natin na nadito, sa mga nine na occupied islands. Mahirap po yung buhay nitla at mapanganib din ang mga ginagawa ng ating mga sundalo at coast guard na nagdadla ng supply,” Brawner said.

He added that the resupply missions would continue in the areas occupied and controlled by the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Pag-asa Island residents hoped the government would help them have more facilities, like a hospital.

An August 5 Philippine resupply mission was not completed after Chinese ships used water cannons on the Philippine boats.

After the Philippines completed the resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre on the Ayungin Shoal on Tuesday, Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian said China allowed the humanitarian mission.

On Wednesday, a radio exchange between the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) took place near the Sabina Shoal, 248 kilometers from Palawan, and before reaching Ayungin Shoal, 315 kilometers away from Palawan.

Both areas are well within the EEZ of the Philippines.

Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Ayungin is part of the Philippines' 200-nautical mile EEZ.

In July 2016, based on a case filed by the Philippines, the UN Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague junked China's nine-dash line claim covering the entire South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea.

China has refused to acknowledge the ruling.  — Sherylin Untalan/DVM, GMA Integrated News