00:00 Despite the hindering attempts of the Chinese maritime militia,
00:03 the resupply mission of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to BRP Seramadre in Ayungin Shoal
00:08 was successful. In line with this, the Philippine Coast Guard stressed there's no need to explain
00:13 what kind of supplies they deliver to the BRP Seramadre. Bea Bernardo tells us more.
00:19 It was dawn on Monday when two Philippine Coast Guard vessels, the BRP Cabra and BRP Sindangan,
00:27 traversed towards Ayungin Shoal. When they arrived at Sabina Shoal, they spotted 17 Chinese maritime
00:33 militia vessels. The Philippine Coast Guard sent a radio challenge but China did not respond.
00:52 It was almost midnight when two chartered boats of the Armed Forces of the Philippines arrived
00:58 with supplies. The four Philippine ships traveled to Ayungin Shoal. When the sun went down and gone,
01:04 the Philippine Coast Guard immediately noticed the presence of the Chinese Coast Guard around.
01:09 We're two hours away from Ayungin Shoal so far.
01:12 There are about three supply boats.
01:14 The Philippine Coast Guard and the English Coast Guard.
01:16 The English Coast Guard is in Batalang, and the English Coast Guard is in Manila.
01:18 So far, all three Chinese vessels have surrounded us.
01:20 The Philippine and China vessels appeared to be in high seas, cat and mouse game.
01:29 The Chinese ships surrounded and blocked the BRP Cabra and BRP Sindangan several times
01:35 while the two coms exchanged radio challenges.
01:39 This is Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Sindangan MRRV 4407. In accordance with international and
01:48 Philippine national laws, you are within Philippine exclusive economic zone. Your actions will affect
01:54 Philippines-China relations and will be reported to concerned authorities. Over.
01:59 After several hours of following us by Chinese ships, two chartered boats of the Armed Forces
02:07 of the Philippines were able to enter Ayungin Shoal, of course, with the help of the Philippine Coast Guard.
02:12 At around nine o'clock in the morning, the chartered boats were able to reach Ayungin Shoal.
02:17 But only the BRP Sindangan was able to escort the two boats as two Chinese Coast Guard vessels had
02:23 blocked the BRP Cabra. The supplies dropped off to the BRP Sierra Madre took about three hours. According
02:29 to PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore J. Tariella, the PCG noticed two things
02:35 in China's behavior during the resupply mission. First, they did not use water cannon to stop our ships.
02:42 Second, instead of large ships that China normally uses to harass Philippine ships, they opted for
02:48 smaller vessels this time. For some security scholars, they were saying that it's because of
02:53 the maneuverability of the smaller vessels to intercept our supply boats. But for us, we
03:02 tend to recognize it as a way to counter a much better offtake. On the side of the AFP,
03:12 they welcomed the success of the resupply mission. They stress the success of the mission underscores
03:18 the unity of the country in fighting for its right and sovereignty. What we are actually
03:23 promoting here is not just our sovereign rights, but of course the implementation of a very
03:29 important convention, which is the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The PCG insists
03:35 the Philippines need not explain what supply they bring to the BRP Sierra Madre. The own clause
03:41 clearly states the Ayungin Shoal is within the country's exclusive economic zone. That means
03:47 the Philippines has jurisdiction and rights on and under this body of water. Bea Bernardo for the nation.
