Following a successful rotation and resupply (RoRe) mission at the Ayungin Shoal, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reiterated that it does not need permission from China for any such operation within Philippine maritime territory.

AFP Special Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) RAdm. Roy Vincent Trinidad said China’s assertion that the Philippines must seek its authorization is merely part of its “invented” narrative, such as their claim over Batanes, reported RH 52 Edniel Parrosa.

“Who believes them? Each time, they invent a new narrative. Nag-iimbento lamang sila ng naratibo, at wala namang naniniwala sa kanila. Not only in the West Philippine Sea. If you look at Scarborough, they claim Scarborough. They claim Batanes,” Trinidad told the press.

“There have been a lot of false narratives they keep inventing… Baka pati Pluto, angkinin na rin nila,” he added.

The RoRe mission at Ayungin Shoal was completed this week, a month after it was suspended due to obstruction by the China Coast Guard (CCG).