Navy ship succeeds in Pag-asa Island resupply mission despite engine trouble

After the BRP Laguna successfully resupplied the BRP Sierra Madre at the Ayungin Shoal, the Philippine Navy ship finally docked and resupplied Pag-asa Island.

According to a Saturday 24 Oras Weekend report by Joseph Morong, the ship was supposed to arrive on Friday night if not for engine trouble that stranded them in the middle of the voyage.

Upon its arrival, residents of Pag-asa Island noted that Chinese vessels  were close enough to observe the ongoing activities on the island.

According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, it would be helpful to the Navy if there were more vessels for resupply missions.

“At any one time, there are more than 400 ships at karamihan nito, mga Chinese ships. Of course, meron pa mga ibang barko dito katulad ng mga Vietnamese, Malaysians, di lang China,” said AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr.

BRP Laguna originally departed for its mission on Tuesday evening, the same day that the BRP Sierra Madre was succesfully resupplied.

Chinese vessels previously attempted to block Philippine resupply missions to the Ayungin Shoal. — Jiselle Casucian/DVM, GMA Integrated News