By Priam Nepomuceno
MANILA – The National Task Force – West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) Area Task Force West denied claims that the Philippines sought permission from China to hold its regular rotation and resupply (RoRe) mission for the contingent manning the BRP Sierra Madre (LS-57) in Ayungin Shoal last month.
“The Philippines firmly asserts that no permission was sought from, nor granted by, China for the conduct of our lawful and regular RoRe mission to our troops stationed aboard BRP Sierra Madre (LS57) in Ayungin Shoal on 04 March 2025,” the task force said in a statement Monday night.
It stressed that Ayungin Shoal is a feature well within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf, as affirmed by the 2016 Arbitral Award.
“The Philippines has sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the area and has been conducting RoRe missions independently, in accordance with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),” it added.
The NTF-WPS slammed China’s claim that it “granted permission” for this mission, calling it a blatant disinformation attempt to undermine Philippine sovereignty and mislead the international community.
The task force also emphasized that Manila does not recognize Beijing’s authority over Ayungin Shoal and categorically rejects any implication that any actions require their approval.
BRP Apolinario Mabini actions in Bajo de Masinloc legal – AFP
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said all actions of the offshore patrol vessel, BRP Apolinario Mabini (PS-36), in Bajo de Masinloc (BDM) are consistent with local and international laws.
“The Philippine Navy’s BRP Apolinario Mabini conducted a routine and lawful maritime patrol in the vicinity of BDM in accordance with the Philippine Constitution and Republic Act 12064 or the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, and consistent with international law, particularly the UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award. The vessel traveled on its planned route and completed its mission,” AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said in a statement.
Beijing previously claimed to have expelled or driven away the Filipino naval craft for allegedly intruding on Huangyan Dao, China’s name for Bajo de Masinloc.
“BDM is an integral part of the Philippine national territory under the Constitution. The Philippines exercises sovereignty over the shoal and its territorial sea. The Philippines also has sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the waters adjacent to the shoal, which form part of the Philippine EEZ,” Padilla added.
The AFP, she said, remains committed to protecting its sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction, and upholding rules-based international order. (PNA)
