The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) successfully conducted a rotation and resupply (RoRe) mission to the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal on March 4, 2025, without any untoward incident, according to an official statement on Wednesday.
The operation, carried out in close coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), marks the fifth consecutive successful mission to the Philippine outpost in the West Philippine Sea since July 2024.
“This milestone highlights the AFP’s unwavering commitment to ensuring continuous logistical and operational support to our personnel, despite the challenging security environment in the West Philippine Sea,” said AFP public affairs office chief Colonel Xerxes Trinidad.
Commitment to Sovereignty
The AFP reaffirmed its dedication to defending the Philippines’ sovereignty and sovereign rights, emphasizing that these efforts are not just for the present but for future generations.
The previous successful RoRe missions to BRP Sierra Madre took place on:
- July 27, 2024
- September 27, 2024
- November 15, 2024
- January 24, 2025
The completion of these missions follows a provisional agreement between the Philippines and China, signed in July 2024, which aims to reduce tensions in Ayungin Shoal after a violent confrontation in June 2024.
BRP Sierra Madre: A Symbol of Sovereignty
The BRP Sierra Madre, a World War II-era vessel, has been grounded in Ayungin Shoal since 1999 to serve as a Philippine military outpost. The shoal, located 105 nautical miles west of Palawan, is within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Despite the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague rejecting China’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea, Beijing continues to assert control over disputed waters, including areas within the West Philippine Sea.
The AFP’s continuous RoRe missions underscore the Philippines’ resolve to maintain its territorial rights in the region.