Noche Buena meals delivered to troops in the West Philippine Sea

The Armed Forces of the Philippines delivered essential supplies including Noche Buena packages to troops stationed at various locations in the West Philippine Sea ahead of the Christmas celebrations.

In a statement on Thursday, the AFP said that on Tuesday, December 23, it completed a "sustainment mission" that brought essential supplies as well as special Christmas packages to troops stationed at various outposts in the West Philippine Sea.

These include the BRP Sierra Madre, the rusting Navy ship grounded at Ayungin Shoal that has become the symbol of Philippine sovereignty in the territory.

They were also delivered to troops at Pag-asa Island, Panata Island, Rizal Reef Station, Kota Island, Parola, Lawak, Likas, and Patag Island—"personnel spending the holidays far from home, yet steadfast in their duty to protect the nation’s territorial integrity," the AFP said.

The deliveries were made by personnel led by Western Command (WESCOM) Commander Vice Admiral Alfonso Torres Jr.

— BM, GMA Integrated News