Statement of the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (August 22, 2023)

NSC PRESS RELEASE

22 August 2023

Strategic Communications Office

The routine follow-on Rotation and Resupply (RoRe) mission to the BRP SIERRA MADRE (LS 57) was successfully conducted today, August 22, through the combined efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). This latest RoRe mission was able to deliver fresh provisions to our military personnel stationed on board BRP SIERRA MADRE.

Notwithstanding attempts by China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) vessels to block, harass, and interfere with the supply mission, the Philippine supply ships Unaizah May 1 and Unaizah May 2, escorted by PCG vessels BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) and BRP Sindangan (MRRV-4407), successfully completed their RoRe mission. Philippine Navy vessels were also on standby during the mission.

Routine missions to Philippine outposts on various features in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) will continue on a regular basis. These missions are part of the Philippine Government’s legitimate exercise of its administrative functions over the WPS, in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the 2016 Arbitral Award, and domestic laws.

The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS), chaired by National Security Adviser, Secretary Eduardo M. Año, commends the unfailing valor, determination, and professionalism exhibited by the men and women of our armed forces and coast guard. The Filipino people owe them a debt of gratitude, for their commitment to place their lives on the line daily to defend our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction throughout the expanse of the WPS. # # #