AFP safely conducts resupply mission for BRP Sierra Madre in WPS

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. Supply ship M/V Lapu-Lapu is seen here docking alongside BRP Sierra Madre (LS-57) during the rotation and resupply mission conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), in close coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard at Ayungin Shoal, West Philippine Sea on Tuesday (March 4, 2025). The military said the mission was successfully completed without any untoward incident. (Photo: Armed Forces of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday announced that it was able to conduct another routine rotation and resupply (RORE) mission for the contingent manning the BRP Sierra Madre in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) without any untoward incident on March 4.

“The AFP, in resolute commitment to maintaining its presence and operational readiness in the WPS, completed a routine troop RORE mission at BRP Sierra Madre stationed at Ayungin Shoal on 04 March 2025,” AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement forwarded to reporters.

A video and photo shared by the AFP showed civilian vessel M/V Lapu-Lapu safely docking with the BRP Sierra Madre.

He added the RORE mission was executed in close coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard and was safely completed.

“The completion of this mission reaffirms the AFP’s commitment not only to supporting our defenders in the WPS, but more importantly to upholding the Philippines’ sovereignty and sovereign rights —not only for today’s generation but for those to come,” Trinidad said.

When asked if there were any Chinese ships in the area at the time of the mission, he said, several were tracked and monitored while the RORE was proceeding.

“While en route to BRP Sierra Madre, we have tracked and monitored several Chinese vessels in the general area. Despite the presence of these foreign vessels, the entire operation was completed without confrontation or untoward incident,” Trinidad said.

The last RORE was conducted on Jan. 24 and the M/V Lapu-Lapu was also the same ship used in the resupply mission.

Trinidad also said this marks the fifth RORE for the BRP Sierra Madre without any untoward incident.

The other incident-free RORE missions were conducted on July 27, Sept. 27 and Nov. 15, 2024, and on Jan. 24 this year.

“This milestone highlights the AFP’s unwavering commitment to ensuring continuous logistical and operational support to our personnel, despite the challenging security environment in the WPS,” Trinidad said.