China should ‘behave, not interfere with Ayungin Shoal resupply mission — AFP

This video grab from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Facebook page shows the China Coast Guard’s dangerous maneuvers and illegal use of water cannons against the PCG vessels escorting supply boats chartered by the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Aug 5. The Philippine boats were delivering food, water, fuel and other supplies to soldiers stationed at BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.

MANILA, Philippines — The China Coast Guard (CCG) should ‘behave’ and avoid interfering with the Philippines’ resupply mission for troops stationed at the grounded BRP Sierra Madre in the Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said.

In a statement issued on Saturday evening, AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar reiterated that the supply mission for the military troops aims “to maintain the country’s presence in the Ayungin Shoal and to exercise its sovereign rights and jurisdiction based on international law to ensure regional peace and stability.”

“Let me add also that we have special message to the China Coast Guard for them to behave. They should not do any action that will endanger people’s lives,” Aguilar said.  

“For all the consequences that the singular acts will cause, the blame will be on them and the authorities above them, so they should behave. They should not interfere with our re-mission,” he added. 

Last August 5, the CCG fired water cannon at a Philippine Coast Guard vessel escorting boats delivering supplies to Filipino troops in Ayungin Shoal, putting the lives of Filipino crew at risk. 

Aguilar emphasized that the mission to the shoal demonstrates the country’s resolve to stand up against threats and coercion and its commitment to upholding the rule of law.

“As we continue to pursue this humanitarian undertaking and defend our rights in our maritime shoals, we also affirm our support for the peaceful settlement of disputes,” Aguilar said. 

“We call on all relevant parties to abide by (their) obligations under international law and respect the Philippines’ sovereign rights and jurisdiction over its maritime source,” he added. 

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