MANILA, Philippines — Philippine security authorities called off a routine rotation and resupply operation to the BRP Sierra Madre stationed at Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal following significant pressure from a flotilla of Chinese maritime vessels inside the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
The aborted mission marks the first reported disruption to the grounded Philippine Navy outpost’s supply run since Manila and Beijing established a provisional management agreement in 2024.
According to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the operation was formally aborted at 11:08 p.m. on Thursday, September 24, after the convoy encountered a combined Chinese force.
The group comprised five China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels, five Chinese maritime militia vessels, and three People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) warships, which included two Houbei-class missile boats.
The Philippine contingent was led by the civilian resupply vessel M/V Lapu-Lapu, escorted by three Philippine Navy and PCG ships.
PCG West Philippine Sea spokesperson Rear Adm. Jay Tarriela stated that a PLA-N warship issued an initial radio challenge, threatening to execute “compulsory measures” against the mission. CCG ships then tailed the M/V Lapu-Lapu, with one ship closing to within nearly 1,000 yards—creating a severe risk of collision.
To bolster the mission led by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the PCG deployed the BRP Malabrigo and BRP Cabra. However, the BRP Malabrigo was similarly shadowed by CCG craft.
Despite Philippine forces issuing counter radio warnings, tactical commanders opted to cancel the run to avoid provoking an escalating conflict.
“There was no escalation because it was not allowed to reach that point. Considering that it was nighttime and the sea was rough, it was a judgment call by the unified commander,” said Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, AFP spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, referring to Western Command Commander Vice Adm. Alan Javier.
Authorities confirmed that the encounter concluded without any collisions or injuries to personnel.