PCG expects more Chinese vessels in Ayunging when ‘Atin Ito’ advocates hold convoy

November 29, 2023 admin

The Philippine Coast Guard expects more Chinese vessels in Ayungin when Filipino advocates hold the Christmas convoy. — NOT THIS RESUPPLY MISSION Motorists on Tuesday pass by a billboard on Edsa announcing “A Christmas Convoy to BRP Sierra Madre.” The government warns against this civic initiative by the “Atin Ito” coalition to bring relief goods to the grounded vessel and military outpost at Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. —GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) expects more Chinese vessels in Ayungin Shoal amid plans for a civilian group to visit the West Philippine Sea, according to agency spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela on Wednesday.

The PCG spokesperson emphasized that the convoy could not go to the BRP Sierra Madre, as past resupply missions to the outpost have shown how dangerous these trips are.

“Alam naman ng publiko kung gaano kapanganib ito. The Chinese Coast Guard vessels, sigurado talagang magdedeploy talaga sila ng mas maraming barko dito together with the Chinese Maritime Militia. At sa presensya ng Chinese forces na ito, sa palibot ng Ayungin Shoal, ay, there is a high possibility na sasalubungin sila nitong mga Chinese maritime forces na ito,” said Tarriela on the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon public briefing.

READ: NSC’s Malaya: 40 civilian ships to join Christmas convoy in West PH Sea

(The public knows how dangerous it is. The Chinese Coast Guard vessels, it is sure that they will deploy more ships together with the Chinese Maritime Militia. With the presence of these Chinese forces around Ayungin Shoal, there is a a high possibility that they will be met with these Chinese maritime forces.)

READ: Gov’t gives go-ahead to Christmas convoy to WPS

The Christmas convoy could pass by the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal, but it cannot be the group’s destination, said Tarriela.

Tarriela said that the PCG still wants to discuss operational matters with those who will go on the Christmas convo to the West Philippine Sea.