Philippine Navy (PH) said crew of BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal are secured and safe despite bad weather.

“In our latest communication with our troops, including our nine features, they are fine. The sea has been rough, the winds have been above normal but the overall condition of the troops to include those on BRP Sierra Madre, they are safe and they are secured,” PH spokesperson for West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said.

Trinidad said there are enough supplies for the crew of BRP Sierra Madre.

“The last rotary for BRP Sierra Madre was 20th of June. The supplies are designed to last more than the next rotary that is scheduled. This will also cover the other eight features,” He said.

“The military always has more than enough supplies for the projected rotation or next rotation missions,” he added.

Trinidad said there is no data available yet on the updated number of Chinese vessels in the area. But he said “historically because of weather disturbances, these numbers drastically drop.”

The World War II-era BRP Sierra Madre has been grounded in Ayungin Shoal since 1999. The ship has become a symbol of Philippine sovereignty in the offshore territory.

Ayungin Shoal is a submerged reef in the Spratly Islands. It is located 105 nautical miles west of Palawan and is within the Philippines 200-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Tensions continue as Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual shipborne commerce, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.