No promise given

Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo did not promise China or any other country to remove the BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal. This was her statement after China claims they were promised the removal of the ship twenty-four years ago. In 1999, the BRP Sierra Madre was deliberately run aground in Ayungin by order of former president Joseph Estrada. That was to establish ownership and sovereignty over Ayungin Shoal. Estrada was ousted that year and Arroyo took over as president. So, there were essentially two presidents in 1999. This is why Arroyo issued a statement. The current administration has also stated that they do not know what Beijing is talking about.

The Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) recently used a water cannon and intercepted a Philippine vessel bringing supplies to the decrepit vessel. The Philippines and other countries condemned the CCG's actions. They seem more aggressive now that their ally is no longer in the Palace. Many fishing vessels are loitering around the Ayungin area. Everyone knows they are Chinese militia posing as fishing boats.

The AFP announced that the rotation of soldiers and bringing of supplies to the BRP Sierra Madre will take place soon. The CCG was also warned not to put their personnel at risk. They were told to behave. But China is a bully. They believe because their military is strong, they can do whatever they want to do. They do not follow international laws of the sea regarding freedom of navigation. They are irate at America for “brazenly bolstering the Philippines as it infringes upon China’s sovereignty.” I would like to see them use a water cannon on an American vessel.

We will just have to wait for the time the AFP rotates and resupplies the Sierra Madre. If a repeat of the use of a water cannon and blocking of the AFP ship happens, a stronger response from the country is warranted. We are inferior to China's navy, but we must uphold our sovereignty in the area. We must stand our ground. The soldiers in the Sierra Madre must be rotated. They need supplies. This is just me, but if another ship could replace the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin, that would be better for the sake of our soldiers stationed there. But that would surely ruffle China’s feathers causing them to respond in an unfavorable way that may involve the US and other countries patrolling the South China Sea.