Christmas convoy will go to WPS but BRP Sierra Madre is off-limits

The National Security Council has allowed a civilian-led Christmas convoy to visit the West Philippine Sea, but the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal remains off-limits.  

NSC spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said the positive development came after a constructive dialogue of the Council with the leaders of ATIN ITO Coalition last week. 

"Both parties agreed that a convoy to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal would not be advisable at this time since the safety of the civilian convoy is of paramount consideration," he said. 

Nonetheless, Malaya said the planned Christmas convoy will pass through the general vicinity of Ayungin Shoal "as far as practicable" on its way to other selected  Philippine-occupied features "to bring Christmas cheers" directly to the troops assigned in those areas as well as to Filipino fisherfolks. 

The convoy will also visit Pagasa Island and will be delivering goods to the troops assigned in the area. 

There, Malaya said the Christmas gifts and donated supplies for the crew of BRP Sierra Madre will be turned over to the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard for delivery during the regular rotation and resupply missions.

"By visiting the other Philippine-occupied features, the Christmas convoy will be able to visit a vaster area of the WPS and bring Christmas cheer directly to more fisherfolk and front-liners," he added.  

Malaya said the agreement ensures the safety and security of the Christmas Convoy, ensures the timely delivery of donated items to our fisherfolk and front-liners, and upholds the country's sovereign rights to the WPS.

"We thank the ATIN ITO! Coalition for their cooperation and for finding common ground with the government in asserting and defending our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in pursuit of the national interest," Malaya said.

Meanwhile, Senator Francis Tolentino thanked the NSC for allowing the coalition group to push their planned Christmas convoy in the WPS. 

Tolentino described this development as proof of effective cooperation between the government and private security as well as promoting the country's rights over its territorial waters in the WPS. 

"Ito ay nagpapatunay na ang pagtutulungan ng lahat, kabilang ang pribadong sektor, ang tunay na magsusulong para ipakita sa international community na Pilipinas ang nakakasakop sa naturang lugar," he said.