The BRP Sierra Madre could very well be the “best” visual representation of how the Philippines deals with China and how Manila responds to Beijing’s aggressive behavior in the occupied Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) and West Philippine Sea (WPS), a retired Philippine Navy official said. The rusting and partly sunken vessel, which has seen better days but remained officially in the service of the Navy, is being used as an outpost for Filipino troops guarding the Ayungin Shoal, where Beijing’s attacks, harassments and intimidations of Filipinos, both soldiers and civilians alike, have taken place in the past.

Acosta, R. (2022, July 17). The China 'legacy'. Business Mirror, pp. A1-A2.