No untoward incident in 5th RORE under PH-China arrangement — DFA

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora, Philippine News Agency

RESUPPLY. M/V Lapu-Lapu docks alongside the BRP Sierra Madre (LS-57) during the rotation and resupply mission conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines at Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on Friday (Jan. 24, 2025). The Philippine Coast Guard assisted the mission. (Photo: Armed Forces of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA – No untoward incidents were reported in the Philippines’ latest rotation and reprovisioning (RORE) mission to Ayungin Shoal on Jan. 24, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Friday.

The latest mission marks the fifth successful resupply to the troops stationed at the marooned BRP Sierra Madre under the ambit of the Philippine-China understanding on RORE in Ayungin Shoal.

Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said this “demonstrates that effective diplomacy plays a leading role in West Philippine Sea issues and creates pathways to innovative approaches that help manage the situation, without compromising the Philippine national interest.”

READ: AFP completes resupply mission for BRP Sierra Madre

“The Philippines today completed another rotation and reprovisioning (RORE) mission to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal and again no untoward incidents were reported,” she said.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs expresses thanks for the professionalism of the men and women of the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard in the conduct of the mission.”

Manila and Beijing agreed to continue implementing the provisional arrangement on the rotation and delivery of supplies to the BRP Sierra Madre at the 10th Philippines-China Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) held in Xiamen earlier this month.

The DFA said this understanding, reached in July 2024, covers the principles and approaches for the conduct of these missions “for the purpose of avoiding misunderstandings and miscalculations, without prejudice to national positions.”

“The Philippines views the latest RORE mission and the continued adherence to the understanding on the principles and approaches to such missions as substantial demonstrations of diplomatic and pragmatic cooperation in dealing with issues in the South China Sea,” Daza said.

The mission, she said, also reflects the country’s commitment to the “peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy, consistent with the guidance of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.”