AFP assures better living conditions of troops in BRP Sierra Madre

RESUPPLY MISSION Philippine Marine troops stationed on the grounded and rusting BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal receive fresh supplies in this photo taken on March 29, 2014. —GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

MANILA, Philippines — Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Lieutenant General Andres Centino on Monday said that his leadership would ensure better living conditions of the troops manning the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.

During the Laging Handa briefing, Centino was asked if the AFP has a plan to refurbish the rusting BRP Sierra Madre before the end of President Rodrigo Duterte’s term.

“For longest time nandun siya, subject to the elements, nagkaroon din ng nag-deteriorate. So, dahil may mga kasamahan tayong mga sundalo nandun, we have to also ensure that ‘yung living conditions nila ay maayos,” the AFP chief said.

(For the longest time that it was there, subject to elements, it had deteriorated. So, since we have soldiers there, we have to also ensure that their living conditions are well.)

“Kaya inayos natin ‘yung tirahan nila doon sa barko na ‘yun,” he stressed, adding that they provide regular provision of supply and rotation of personnel stationed there are conducted.

(So, we fixed their shelter on that ship.)

The BRP Sierra Madre, a former World War II-era ship that is now a rusting military outpost on a shallow reef west of Palawan province, has become the symbol of Philippine sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea.

Since it ran aground in 1999 at Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, which is about 196 kilometers from Palawan and well within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), China has repeatedly demanded its removal, claiming that the area was part of its territory.

“Since then, we have considered it as a permanent government post and it is manned by AFP personnel since 1999 hanggang ngayon (until now),” Centino said.

Recently, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. reported that Chinese Coast Guard vessels “blocked and water cannoned” Philippine boats on a resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre on November 16.