5 Chinese vessels deployed near Ayungin shoal

David vs Goliath AFP photo by Jay Directo shows Chinese harassment off Ayungin Shoal pic.twitter.com/946Nwh7mRg

— PhilippineEmbassy DC (@philippinesusa) March 29, 2014

PUERTO PRINCESA – A Philippine Air Force (PAF) Nomad plane saw a survey ship, a Jianghu-V Class frigate, and three surveillance vessels (one unmarked, two with Bow Nos. 3111 and 3102) near Ayungin Shoal–all of which were deployed by the Chinese authorities.

The PAF Nomad plane was replenishing supplies of the Marine troops aboard the BRP Sierra Madre–the ones protecting Ayungin Shoal. PH authorities have authorized the airdrop of certain supplies last Saturday in order to provide adequate supply of goods to PH Marines.

Last March, the Philippine troops were able to subdue the ‘bullying’ of Chinese forces when the latter tried to block the PH forces from delivering supplies to BRP Sierra Madre. Several media personnel joined the mission and were able to document the events on TV and newspapers.

China has been claiming territory over Ayungin Shoal since 2013–even offering to remove BRP Sierra Madre free of charge. These claims were made despite the geographic fact that Ayungin is 700 nautical miles away from the nearest Chinese territory and only 105 nautical miles from Palawan.

With report from ABS-CBN News Online