No permission from China in latest Ayungin mission – maritime council

Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippines did not seek the permission of the Chinese government during the latest and successful resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, the National Maritime Council (NMC) said.

In an interview with government network PTV, NMC spokesperson Alexander Lopez said the Philippines only informed China about the upcoming mission as part of the provisional deal between Manila and Beijing to minimize tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

"So, walang pagpapaalam; wala, hindi tayo nagpapaalam, ginagawa natin kasi, mandato natin ito, regular nating ginagawa ito," said Lopez.

[Translation: There’s no seeking of permission; none at all. We do this because it is our mandate, and we do it regularly]

China said on Wednesday that it has permitted Philippine troops to deliver essential supplies to the vintage warship.

"China allowed the Philippines to dispatch a civilian vessel to deliver supplies to a warship that was illegally grounded at Ren'ai Reef in the South China Sea on Tuesday," China Coast Guard spokesman Li Dejun said.

"China monitored the vessel throughout the process, ensuring order and stability in the region," he added.

Lopez maintained that the provisional deal clearly stated there would be no change in the position of the two countries in Ayungin Shoal.

"Ito iyong bunga ng magandang pag-uusap ng dalawang bansa, ng China at ng Philippines, iyong tinatawag natin na provisional understanding. So we do our part, our do our part without actually prejudice to our national interest. So, ang ayaw kasi nating mangyari at ayaw din naman ng Tsina iyong nangyari noong June 17, kasi they were put in bad light," he added.

[Translation: This is the result of the good discussions between the two countries, China and the Philippines, which we call the provisional understanding. So we do our part without prejudice to our national interest. What we want to avoid - and what China also wants to avoid - is what happened on June 17, because they were put in a bad light.]

Lopez said the Philippines remains committed to resolving disputes through peaceful means and dialogues.