SUMMARY
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines’ newly-established National Maritime Council (NMC) announced Friday, June 21, that it has recommended to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. the “announcement” of resupply missions to Ayungin or Second Thomas Shoal, a flashpoint for tensions between Manila and Beijing in the South China Sea.
“As a result of the meeting today, the Council agreed on policy recommendations for the President’s consideration. Among these recommendations is the announcement of the rotation and reprovisioning missions (RORE) to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, which will remain routine and will be scheduled regularly,” said Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, who chairs the NMC, during a surprise press conference late Friday afternoon.
The council, which repla…