CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) successfully conducted its rotation and reprovisioning (RORE) mission for uniformed personnel stationed at BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal on Saturday, July 27.
During the Philippine Information Agency’s Usapang PIA program, PCG Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea and Special Staff of the Commandant, Commodore Jay Tarriela, emphasized the crucial role of the recent understanding and bilateral deals between the governments of the Philippines and China in enabling peaceful resupply operations.
“Ni-recognize [natin] ang isang successful resupply operation na natapos no’ng nakaraang Sabado kung saan ang Philippine Coast Guard (ang) nagsuporta sa supply operation ng Armed Forces of the Philippines ay nakapagdala tayo ng ating mga supplies para sa ating mga sundalo na naka-station sa BRP Sierra Madre at the same time nakapag-rotate na rin tayo ng personnel natin dito,” he said.
Tarriela said that the deal seeks to avoid misunderstandings and miscalculations in the West Philippine Sea, without prejudice to national positions.
“This is the first time na nagkaroon tayo ng ganitong operations simula nang ang Department of Foreign Affairs ay nagkaroon ng isang provisional understanding na kung saan napagkasunduan ng bansang Tsina at ng Pilipinas na magkaroon ng mas mapayapa at hindi tensiyonadong re-supply operations ang AFP papunta dito sa Ayungin Shoal,” Tarriela said.
These missions are crucial for maintaining the operational capability and the country’s presence in the region and often involve transporting supplies like food, fuel, and other essential materials.
Tarriela noted positive indications of China’s cooperation in the recent RORE mission to de-escalate tensions and maintain stability and peace for both countries.
“The mere fact that we are able to successfully deliver supplies without the Chinese Coast Guard hampering or preventing our resupply boats from reaching Ayungin Shoal, para sa’kin this is already a good sign na ang China mismo ay willing na mag-contribute para mas maayos nating maisagawa ang resupply operation at hindi na reresulta pa sa mas mataas na tensyon,” the spokesperson said.
He then called for the public’s continued support in the government’s fight for the West Philippine Sea, as the issue transcends geographic location, political affiliation, and differing values.
“Again, regardless of where you came from, whether you’re from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, kahit pa walang karagatan sa lugar na tinatayuan mo ngayon, the mere fact na ikaw ay isang Pilipino, itong laban natin ito bilang Pilipino ay dapat nating suportahan ang West Philippine Sea.”
Through the transparency initiative of the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea, Tarriela hopes that the next generation will continue to hold the line and become even more successful in the commitment to not surrender a square inch of Philippine territory to any foreign power. (AM,CH/PIA-4A)
Usapang PIA is a weekly radio program hosted by the Philippine Information Agency Laguna. It is broadcasted every Friday, from 11:00 am to 11:30 am on DZJV 1458 kHz Radyo Calabarzon and streamed live on the Philippine Information Agency CALABARZON and PIA Laguna Facebook pages.
