Despite China’s muscle-flexing in Ayungin Shoal where its “monster” coast guard vessel occasionally appears to project a menacing presence, the BRP Sierra Madre will remain in the area as demonstration of Filipinos’ resolve to defend their territory, the Philippine Navy said yesterday. “We will not give up that ship, it is an indication of the government’s stand,” Philippine Navy spokesman for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad declared. “It is the mandate of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) to ensure the integrity of the national territory,” he told reporters at a press briefing held amid China’s scaling up its presence in Philippine waters, now led by its biggest coast guard ship nicknamed “The Monster,” which dropped anchor in Escoda (Sabina) Shoal.

Punongbayan, M., & Macairan, E. (2024, July 10). BRP Sierra Madre will remain in Ayungin, period - Navy. The Philippine Star, pp. 1, 3.