MANILA — The government will continue its rotation and reprovision (RORE) missions to Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) amid China’s aggressive actions.
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. said the government policy on WPS has not changed.
“As declared by President Marcos, the government will not give up an inch, not even a millimeter of the country’s territory to any foreign power,” Teodoro said.
“We will continue to defend our territory and exercise sovereign rights thereon as we see fit,” he added.
Teodoro said the government will not seek permission or consent from any country in performing its duties in WPS.
“In this regard, we will continue our rotation and resupply missions on a regular basis, the welfare of our troops in the BRP Sierra Madre being a matter of utmost importance. The President has reiterated that we will not publish schedules of any RORE,” he added.
A Philippine Navy personnel was injured after the China Coast Guard rammed into the Philippine vessel on a resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal on June 17.
President Marcos visited the Western Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Sunday where he awarded the Order of Lapu-Lapu Rank of Kampilan to Seaman First Class Underwater Operator Jeffrey Facundo who lost a finger during the Ayungin fracas.
The President also awarded the Order of Lapu-Lapu Rank of Kamagi to 79 Philippine Navy personnel who were part of the RORE mission. (PND)
