MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is pursuing measures to improve living conditions aboard the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, its spokesman said.
Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, AFP spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, said funds had long been allocated to maintain the aging warship and improve its habitability.
Although the vessel appears dilapidated, Trinidad said it remained sturdy and would continue to serve as the Philippines' military outpost at Ayungin Shoal, which lies within the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The BRP Sierra Madre, a commissioned AFP warship built in the 1940s, was deliberately grounded at the shoal in 1999 to reinforce the Philippines' claim to the feature.
Trinidad warned that forcibly towing the vessel away would constitute an act of war and could prompt discussions on invoking the Philippines-US Mutual Defense Treaty.
He stressed that the Philippines would not seek another country's permission to conduct activities within its EEZ, asserting the country's right to maintain its presence at Ayungin Shoal.
The AFP has repeatedly conducted rotation and resupply missions to sustain Filipino personnel aboard the vessel despite China's efforts to assert control over the disputed waters.
