Supplies 'successfully' reach rusting warship in disputed sea: Philippines

ISTANBUL

Manila said Tuesday that a rotation and resupply mission (RoRe) was successfully conducted in the West Philippine Sea by the armed forces and the coast guard.

“The latest RoRe mission was able to deliver fresh provisions to our military personnel stationed on board BRP Sierra Madre,” the Strategic Communications Office said in a statement.

“Notwithstanding attempts by China Coast Guard and Chinese Maritime Militia vessels to block, harass and interfere with the supply mission, the Philippine supply ships … successfully completed their RoRe mission,” it said. “Routine missions to Philippine outposts in the West Philippine Sea will continue.”

While Beijing has justified its actions by arguing that Filipino vessels did not heed warnings, Manila has received support from several Western nations, including the US.

Relations between Beijing and Manila have spiraled down, primarily because of disputed maritime claims in the South China Sea.

The BRP Sierra Madre, formerly known as Harnett County, was a US naval vessel. After the Vietnam War, it transferred to the Philippines and dubbed BRP Sierra Madre.

Manila grounded the World War II-era warship in 1999 to reinforce the Philippines' sovereignty claims.