PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — The Armed Forces of the Philippines will fund the repair of the M/L Kalayaan, a civilian boat owned by the Kalayaan municipal government, which was damaged following an incident involving water cannons used by the China Coast Guard at Ayungin Shoal.

Western Command spokesperson, Commander Ariel Joseph Coloma, confirmed Tuesday that the AFP will cover the repair expenses, with the Philippine Navy undertaking the task.

The M/L Kalayaan suffered damage to its engine, power generator, windshield, and navigational equipment due to the high-pressure water cannon attack, compromising its integrity.

"The AFP, through the Philippine Navy, will assess and repair the damages incurred by M/L Kalayaan," Coloma said Tuesday.

He added that the navy is presently conducting an assessment and evaluation of the damages to the M/L Kalayaan. Once this is completed, the repair costs will be calculated to allocate the necessary funds.

This boat is important to Kalayaan town because it not only conveys regular food supplies to Pag-asa Island but also serves as transportation for residents and officials when they have important tasks to carry out in mainland Palawan.

"I cannot say yet when it will be because the damage assessment of the affected parts is still ongoing. We will only know the cost once the damage assessment report is completed," he added.

The M/L Kalayaan and another boat, Unaizah Mae 1, were tasked with delivering supplies and Christmas packages to the crew of BRP Sierra Madre on 10 December.

However, its journey to Ayungin Shoal was halted by the intervention of China Coast Guard ships, preventing it from completing its mission. In contrast, the Unaizah Mae 1 successfully arrived at its intended destination.