The Nation

PN resupply mission.

T he Chinese ship removed the cover of its 70 mm naval armament when the BRP Teresa Magbanua sailed close to the shoal at a distance of 2.5 nautical miles.

T he CCG ship, together with two Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) vessels and another CCG ship, formed a 13 nautical mileradius blockade with the BRP Sierra Madre to prevent Philippine government ships from reaching the Filipino soldiers.

T he Sierra Madre , the partly sunken PN vessel, is being used by Filipino troops as an outpost in guarding Ayungin.

During the call, Galvez and Austin discussed proposals to deepen operational cooperation, including the recent decision to resume joint maritime patrols in the South China Sea, including in the WPS.

Secretary Austin reaffirmed the department’s commitment to bolstering the Philippines’ defense capabilities and capacity to resist coercion as the Allies develop a Security Sector Assistance Roadmap,” the readout said.

Both also conferred on opportunities to expand security cooperation with like-minded countries and even allies like Japan that seek to uphold the rules-based international order.

T hey concluded the call by committing to advance an ambitious set of initiatives leading up to the “2+2 Ministerial” meeting in Washington, D.C.

Meanwhile, the PCG recognized on Wednesday its ships, personnel and units deployed in the WPS, with an event in Palawan led by no less than Admiral Artemio Abu.

“ The recent events that have taken place in these troubled waters have been highly contentious and have been a test of our resolve as one Filipino people. For whatever interpretation it may bear, I am enjoining our PCG sailors to continue to muster the much-needed determination and courage to act positively, to endure and to overcome,” Abu said during the event where awards were given to various personnel.