Dennis Gasgonia

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

MANILA - The Department of Foreign Affairs said it is aware of reports of an increase in Chinese vessel activity in Ayungin Shoal, which is a low tide elevation that is within the Philippines’ EEZ and continental shelf.  The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) earlier reported an “unusual” activity of Chinese maritime forces in the Shoal, where the grounded BRP Sierra Madre has served as a Philippine naval outpost since 1999.&quot;The Philippines will continue to monitor the area in the exercise of its mandate to safeguard Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction, and ensuring the safety and welfare of our troops stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre,&quot; the DFA said in a statement.A video released by the AFP showed two Philippine rubber boats blocking the attempt of a rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) from the China Coast Guard (CCG) to go near the BRP Sierra Madre.The DFA maintained that the Philippines has the right to conduct rotation and resupply (RORE) missions to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal. It said the missions are routine humanitarian operations undertaken by the Philippines in the exercise of its sovereignty and jurisdiction. The DFA added that it is part of the country&#x27;s Provisional Understanding with China.&quot;The Provisional Understanding between the Philippines and China has paved the way for the conduct of such RORE missions without any untoward incidents. The Philippines will continue to implement the Provisional Understanding as agreed,&quot; said the DFA.A video released by the AFP showed a Chinese rubber hull inflatable boat fitted with mounted weapons maneuvering inside the shoal.Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea said that from a distance, a China Coast Guard vessel appeared to be conducting water cannon drills.The military monitored all these activities during its maritime domain awareness operation in Ayungin Shoal on Wednesday, August 20.China, however, tagged the AFP&#x27;s claims as false.In a statement, the China coast guard urged the Philippines to &quot;immediately stop all infringement activities, provocations and false accusations.&quot;The China coast guard also vowed &quot;to carry out law enforcement activities in accordance with law in the waters of Ren&#x27;ai Jiao in the South China Sea to resolutely defend national sovereignty and maritime rights.&quot;

The Department of Foreign Affairs said it is aware of reports of an increase in Chinese vessel activity in Ayungin Shoal, which is a low tide elevation that is within the Philippines’ EEZ and continental shelf.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said it is aware of reports of an increase in Chinese vessel activity in Ayungin Shoal, which is a low tide elevation that is within the Philippines’ EEZ and continental shelf.

DFA: Ayungin RORE missions under 'provisional understanding' with China

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DFA: Ayungin RORE missions under 'provisional understanding' with China

Dennis Gasgonia,

ABS-CBN News

Published Aug 22, 2025 11:20 PM PHT

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Ayungin Shoal

China coast guard

Philippines

DFA

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