Shoal resupply missions to remain PH operations
THE resupply missions to troops on Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal will remain purely Philippine operations, the National Security Council (NSC) said Sunday after Washington vowed to “do what is necessary” to support them.
The shoal, which hosts a tiny Philippine garrison stationed on a deliberately beached old warship, has been a focus of escalating confrontations between Chinese and Philippine ships in recent months as Beijing steps up efforts to push its claims to the entire South China Sea.
A Filipino sailor lost a thumb on the latest June 17 clash when Chinese coast guard members wielding knives, sticks and an axe foiled a Philippine Navy attempt to resupply its troops.
“As far as the RORE (rotation and resupply mission) is concerned, we’re keeping it as a purely Philippine operation utilizing Philippine ships, personnel and leadership,” NSC spokesman Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said.
“That may change depending
