WesCom successfully replenishes supplies, materials to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal

The Armed Forces Western Command said it has successfully conducted replenishing supplies and materials needed by BRP Sierra Madre’s crew in Ayungin Shoal.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, the WesCom said the civilian boat M/V Unaiza May, carrying an assortment of food and clothing, maintenance and repair equipment, was able to “enter the shoal safely, freely unload its cargo, and exit the shoal without any untoward incident” last August 2.

“I am very pleased with the smooth conduct of our re-supply run to Ayungin Shoal. We hope that we can sustain this effort aimed at promoting harmonious relations in the West Philippine Sea among claimant countries.” WesCom chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos said.

The WesCom said it has “significantly improved” its support for conducting re-provisioning missions to all Philippine-held Islands in the West Philippine Sea.

“These logistic runs cannot stop. We must ensure our continuing support to the morale and welfare of our troops,” Carlos said.

“Standing watch on distant and isolated islands is one of the most difficult duties a soldier can endure. The least we can do is to ensure sustained support to their requirements,” he added.

Last June, the WesCom also successfully rotated troops and reprovisioned the beached BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal despite shadowing and radio challenges from a Chinese Coast Guard vessel. — Richa Noriega/RSJ, GMA News