Phl to continue sending supplies to troops in Ayungin

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines will continue to send supplies to its troops in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal despite fresh warnings from China, which has set up a naval blockade in the area.

A security official who asked not to be identified said the Philippines has the right to support its military forces in the shoal because the area is well within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

“We reiterate that (Ayungin Shoal) is within our EEZ. It is but our duty to provide for own troops. These are Filipino settlements,” said the official, who requested anonymity because he is not allowed to talk on the matter.

The official stressed that the Philippines has been abiding with the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in South China Sea, which seeks to resolve the territorial dispute peacefully.

China and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations signed the declaration in 2002, but specific and binding guidelines have yet to be approved.

On Monday, China demanded that the Philippines pull out its presence in the Ayungin Shoal, calling its occupation of the area “illegal.”

“The Chinese government’s attitude on maintaining the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is unwavering. We will never tolerate the Philippines’ illegal occupation of Ren’ai reef (Ayungin Shoal),” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said in a press conference in Beijing.

“China is on high alert for the Philippines taking more proactive acts in the South China Sea. The Philippines must accept responsibility for the consequences of what will happen,” he added.

Early this month, a Chinese Coast Guard ship blocked two Philippine vessels about to deliver supplies to marine troops in BRP Sierra Madre, a ship grounded at the Ayungin Shoal.

China, however, claimed that the Philippine vessels that were driven away were carrying construction materials.

US ship in Manila

Amid tensions in the West Philippine Sea, another US ship arrived in Manila on Tuesday for a routine port call and goodwill visit.

The US Embassy said the four-day goodwill visit of the USS Blue Ridge “highlights the strong historic, community, and military connections” between Manila and Washington.

The USS Blue Ridge, the flagship of the US 7th Fleet, docked at South Harbor and was welcomed by the Philippine Navy.

“During the professional exchanges, Philippine Navy personnel from the Philippine Fleet and Naval Sea Systems Command will be given the chance to study and familiarize with the USS Blue Ridge’s weapons and communications systems,” Navy spokesman Lieutenant Commander Gregory Fabic said in a statement.

“The US Navy’s frequent visits manifest their firm commitment to strengthen military ties with the Philippines as it pushes for a rebalance to Asia-Pacific region,” he added.

The goodwill visit will also include activities such as staff-to-staff talks, sport events, professional exchanges and ship tour.

The visit came as the Philippines and the US are finalizing a deal that would provide American troops greater access to Philippine military bases. It is also in line with the US pivot to the Asia-Pacific region.

US 7th Fleet Commander Vice Adm. Robert Thomas also called on acting Philippine Navy chief Rear Admiral Isabelo Gador at the Navy headquarters in Manila.

The 7th Fleet is the largest of the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed fleets. About 80 ships and submarines, 140 aircraft, and 40,000 sailors and marines are under its command. It has five mutual defense treaty allies namely the Philippines, Australia, the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Thailand.