The Philippine government will no longer disclose information about its routine and resupply (RORE) missions in the West Philippine Sea, following continued harassment at sea.
National Security Advisor Eduardo Año announced the decision on Monday, June 24, approved by President Marcos upon the recommendation of the National Maritime Council.
“The president decided there will be no publication at all in the future. But RORE is a regular and routine activity of the government to resupply our soldiers,” Año told reporters.
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro emphasized the Philippines’ right to operate in the West Philippine Sea without external consent.
“We reiterate that we seek neither permission nor consent from anyone in performing our sworn duties in the West Philippine Sea. In this regard, we will continue our rotation and resupply missions on a regular basis,” Teodoro added.
In a related development, the government revised its stance on the recent clash between Philippine and Chinese troops in the West Philippine Sea, which resulted in serious injuries to Filipino soldiers.
Initially described as a “misunderstanding,” the incident has now been labeled an “aggressive and illegal use of force” by Defense Secretary Teodoro.
Following a visit to the wounded troops in Puerto Princeda City, Palawan, Teodoro reported that President Marcos expressed his support and praised their bravery.
Marcos Jr. reiterated that the Philippines has never yielded to foreign powers and emphasized the duty to preserve the freedoms fought for by the nation’s forefathers.
Teodoro, in the end, affirmed that the government will persist in defending Philippine territory and prioritize the welfare of its troops.