The Philippine military is pursuing measures to improve living conditions aboard the BRP Sierra Madre, its aging outpost at Ayungin Shoal in the disputed West Philippine Sea. A military spokesman said funding for the vessel’s upkeep and habitability had been allocated long ago.

Sierra Madre remains a Philippine outpost

Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, the military’s spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, said the ship remains sturdy despite its deteriorated appearance and will continue to serve as an outpost. He did not specify the measures being pursued or a timetable for completing them.

The commissioned warship was built in the 1940s and deliberately grounded at Ayungin Shoal in 1999 to reinforce the Philippines’ claim to the feature. The shoal lies within the country’s exclusive economic zone.

Warning over a forced removal

Trinidad said forcibly towing the vessel away would be an act of war and could lead to discussions about invoking the Philippines-US Mutual Defense Treaty.

He also said the Philippines would not seek another country’s permission to conduct activities in its exclusive economic zone. The military has repeatedly rotated and resupplied personnel aboard the vessel despite China’s efforts to assert control over the disputed waters.

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