Soldiers guarding Ayungin Shoal to continue getting gifts

MANILA, Philippines - Troops guarding Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal can expect continuous food packages and other supplies from Filipinos worldwide despite the Chinese naval blockade.

Organizers have sent six boxes of goods since last year.

In a phone interview with The STAR yesterday, Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, an organizer of the effort, said the objective is to send at least one box of assorted goods to every territory in the West Philippine Sea that Filipino troops are guarding.

“The gift-giving will continue,” he said. “In fact, their (donors’) desire to express their appreciation to our soldiers may become stronger.”

Cabunoc said the Chinese naval blockade will not discourage overseas Filipinos from sending donations to the besieged soldiers.

“Our soldiers are guarding our territory and we are sending them simple gifts to express our appreciation to their efforts and sacrifice,” he said.

“They left their families behind to perform their mandate to protect the sovereignty of this nation.” 

The effort started last year through social networking site Facebook, and received backing from migrant workers, advocacy groups and their military partners.

It was meant to boost the morale of soldiers, who serve as symbols of Philippine sovereignty in disputed seas.

Originally meant to give Christmas cheer to troops in Ayungin Shoal and other areas in the West Philippine Sea, organizers later decided to continue it beyond the holidays.

Dubbed “saludo (salute) packages,” the boxes of supplies contain canned goods, toiletries, cigarettes, movie discs and newsmagazines.

Cabunoc said soldiers in Ayungin Shoal need things not usually included in the military supplies delivered to them: cigarettes, chocolate, candy and food seasoning or condiments.

“Our soldiers have enough fish there, but condiments are needed to improve the taste,” he said.

The public is also encouraged to give canned goods and instant noodles.

Cabunoc said simple things would mean a lot to soldiers facing a risky task.

“The gift is an indication that we are one as a nation. It also reflects our clamor to protect our territorial sovereignty,” he said.

Among the groups involved in the effort are Philippine Defense Forces Forum, a group composed of civilians and Reserve Officers’ Training Corps alumni, and Spratlys Atin Ito, which consists of reservists and civilians.

Filipinos from Australia, Germany, the United States and Hong Kong have also contributed goods to the initiative.

Military units receiving supplies are the Armed Forces 7th Civil Relations Group headed by Cabunoc, the Philippine Marine Corps and the Armed Forces Western Command.