US stresses PH right to resupply grounded ship

by Pia lee-brago, eliJah Felice rosales Philstar.com

mANILA — the Philippines has the “right to be able to supply/resupply” its ship in Ayungin (second thomas) shoal and has not asked for assistance after China’s attack on its vessels on a resupply mission, the U.s Department of Defense said on tuesday, August 8.

“We stand with our Philippine allies in terms of their right to be able to supply/resupply the ship on the second thomas shoal, and that will continue to be our position,” Pentagon press secretary Air force Brig. Gen. Pat ryder said at a press briefing.

the U.s. highlighted China’s dangerous actions after the China Coast Guard (CCG) blocked and fired water cannons on a Philippine resupply mission near Ayungin shoal on saturday, August 5. the U.s. said the act directly threatened regional peace and stability. the boats were delivering food, water, fuel and other supplies to Philippine military troops stationed on BrP sierra madre in Ayungin shoal.

“I don’t have anything to announce right now in terms of sending any type of additional assistance. to my knowledge, the Philippines has not asked for additional assistance,” ryder added.

the U.s. reaffirmed that an armed attack on Philip-