RESUPPLY MISSION. The Unaizah May 4 prepares for departure from Naval Detachment Oyster Bay in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan on March 22, 2024 for a rotation and resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal. The mission is part of the efforts to sustain Philippine troops stationed in the area. (Photo courtesy of the Armed Forces of the Philippines)
MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Saturday announced that the Unaizah May 4 (UM4), a civilian vessel contracted by the military, has embarked on another rotation and resupply (RORE) mission to the BRP Sierra Madre (LS-57) in Ayungin Shoal on March 22.
"The AFP emphasizes that the mission is a routine operation aimed at sustaining and rotating military personnel at Ayungin Shoal. This particular mission was set up to ensure a full troop complement on board BRP Sierra Madre after one personnel needing serious medical attention was recently evacuated," AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement.
"This RORE operation is again a manifestation of the AFP's resolve in rightfully and lawfully maintaining its presence at the shoal in the continued protection of Philippine sovereign rights in its exclusive economic zone."
The mission is part of the efforts to sustain Philippine troops stationed in the area. Personnel are being rotated to ensure that the BRP Sierra Madre's mission posture remains uncompromised.
The UM4 is one of two civilian vessels involved in the RORE mission on March 5, which was unable to complete its mission due to damage sustained after it was water-cannoned by the China Coast Guard.
Trinidad said Area Task Force West would dedicate two Philippine Navy ships, with two more from the Philippine Coast Guard as escort to the UM4, to support the mission. (PNA)
