DAMAGE ASSESSMENT. A Philippine Navy mechanic assesses the damage of M/L Kalayaan on Tuesday (Dec. 12, 2023). The cargo ship was water cannoned by Chinese vessels while on supply delivery mission to the marooned BRP Sierra Madre at the Ayungin Shoal on Sunday (Dec. 10). (PNA photo by Izza Reynoso)
PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will shoulder the cost of repairing M/L Kalayaan that was damaged during a confrontation with the China Coast Guard (CCG) at the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Sunday morning.
Commander Ariel Joseph Coloma, Western Command (Wescom) spokesperson, told reporters Tuesday afternoon that the repair work on the small cargo ship, operated by the municipality of Kalayaan in this province, will be undertaken by the Philippine Navy (PN).
The high-pressure cannon used by the CCG damaged the M/L Kalayaan’s engine, portable power generator, windshield, and electronic and navigational equipment, but the magnitude of the repair works may still rise.
"The damage assessment is still ongoing. We can make a better estimate as to how much the repairs will cost after the assessment is completed,” Coloma said.
M/L Kalayaan, alongside Unaizah Mae 1, was on a rotation and resupply (RoRe) mission to deliver essential supplies and Christmas presents to the crew of the marooned BRP Sierra Madre when they were attacked by the CCG.
Only UM1 managed to reach BRP Sierra Madre, as M/L Kalayaan had to retreat after being damaged.
Christmas convoy
Meanwhile, the organizers of the civilian Christmas convoy to the West Philippine Sea (WPS) thanked the Catholic Church for its solidarity in bringing holiday cheers to uniformed personnel and fishermen in Ayungin Shoal and Lawak Island.
The efforts of Atin Ito Movement was supported by Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David and Taytay Palawan Bishop Broderick Pabillo.
"We also thank of course the support of the CBCP, you see some of our bishops in our billboards and really becoming the ambassador of this campaign, Bishop Pabillo, Bishop (Deogracias) Iñiguez, they are with us so our church leaders are West Philippine Sea Ambassadors as well," Atin Ito convenor Rafaela David said in an interview over Church-run Radio Veritas.
Caritas Manila also joined the convoy’s gift distribution after donating 10 bags of rice and a box of vitamins for the beneficiaries of uniformed personnel and fishermen in the WPS.
Meanwhile, Taytay Palawan Bishop Broderick Pabillo urged Filipinos to join in the initiatives of standing up for the West Philippine Sea.
"I applaud the efforts of the civilian convoy, who went there and at least tried to provide joy to our countrymen in those territories," Pabillo said in an interview.
On Dec. 10, the convoy composed of 40 wooden boats departed El Nido, Palawan to bring gifts and essential supplies to Filipino fishermen and troopers in the disputed West Philippine Sea.
However, the group was forced to return to El Nido, Palawan due to the presence of Chinese vessels in the area. (with report from Ferdinand Patinio/PNA)
