The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) confirmed the temporary suspension of a routine humanitarian Rotation and Resupply (RoRe) mission to Ayungin Shoal after multiple Chinese military and maritime vessels physically blocked and interfered with the Filipino convoy.
According to military reports, the resupply fleet, comprising the civilian vessel M/V Lapu-Lapu alongside three support vessels from the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard, was intercepted approximately 60 nautical miles from its destination.
The maritime blockade involved three People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warships and five China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels, which included two Houbei-class missile speedboats. The interception effectively prevented state forces from delivering vital operational supplies and executing crew rotation for personnel stationed aboard the commissioned naval vessel BRP Sierra Madre.
In its official statement, the military strongly condemned the aggressive maneuvers executed by the Chinese maritime forces.
“These actions are irresponsible, are reckless and are inconsistent with applicable provisions of COLREGs and UNCLOS, as well as the Philippines’ rights affirmed by the 2016 Arbitral Award. Given the possibility of escalation that could endanger our personnel and vessels, the RoRe mission was temporarily suspended,” the AFP declared.
Despite the temporary suspension aimed at mitigating operational risks and prioritizing troop safety, defense officials emphasized that the country’s sovereign stance in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) remains firm.
“The AFP will continue to fulfill its mandate to sustain our personnel aboard BRP Sierra Madre and exercise the Philippines’ lawful rights in its maritime zones. We call on the PLAN and CCG to cease these dangerous actions and exercise restraint. The safety of our personnel remains paramount, nevertheless these actions will not deter the AFP from performing its mission,” the military added.