WPS troops doing ‘fine’ amid bad weather

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said the troops’ resolve to defend and secure the country’s territorial waters, particularly those stationed in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), remains intact despite experiencing inclement weather.

“In our latest communication with the troops, including our nine features they are fine. The sea has been rough, the winds have been above normal but the overall condition of the troops to include those on BRP Sierra Madre, they are safe and they are secured,” AFP spokesperson for the WPS, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, told reporters during a press conference, when asked how the troops are coping with the ongoing inclement weather.

Trinidad also assured that the troops stationed in the WPS have enough supplies “designed to last more than the next” rotational and re-provisional (RORE) missions of the AFP.

“The last RORE for BRP Sierra Madre was 20 June. The supplies are designed to last more than the next RORE that is scheduled. This will also cover the other eight features,” he said.

Trinidad further stressed, “The military always has more than enough supplies for the projected rotation or next rotation missions.”

The BRP Sierra Madre (LS57) serves as the country’s military outpost in the WPS.

The Philippine Navy’s commissioned warship has been grounded on Ayungin Shoal since 1999. It also serves as a symbol of Philippine sovereignty in its exclusive economic zone in the disputed waters.

Meanwhile, while the number of Chinese vessels near key features in the West Philippine Sea has shown a steady monthly increase, the Armed Forces of the Philippines reported a recent decline due to ongoing bad weather.

Trinidad, noted that the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warships, China Coast Guard (CCG) ships, and Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) vessels “also seek shelter in the areas not affected by the weather.”

Citing the latest report from the Philippine Navy, Trinidad said there was an increase in the number of Chinese vessels last month. Some 49 Chinese ships were observed in and around Bajo de Masinloc, Ayungin Shoal and Pagasa Island.

These sightings included nine CCG vessels and 14 PLAN vessels at Bajo de Masinloc; 12 CCG and two PLAN ships at Ayungin Shoal; and nine CCG vessels and three PLAN vessels in the vicinity of Pagasa Island.

However, Trinidad emphasized that vessel numbers typically drop during periods of bad weather.

“The trend is that, after any weather disturbance, the numbers always increase. They go back to their regular, their normal presence,” he said.