CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City -- The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), General Romeo S Brawner Jr, visited BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal on Sunday, December 10, 2023, to personally convey President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr’s appreciation and yuletide greetings to our troops stationed aboard the vessel.
General Brawner is the first sitting AFP Chief of Staff to have set foot on the ship. During their journey, he experienced firsthand the risks faced by the regular resupply missions as the China Coast Guard and its maritime militia continue their attempts to obstruct said missions.
Undeterred, General Brawner, accompanied by Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, Commander of the AFP’s Western Command, and other AFP personnel, proceeded with the mission on board Unaiza May 1 and accomplished it. After the early “noche buena” with the troops, General Brawner underscored the importance of the BRP Sierra Madre in establishing the country’s presence and jurisdiction within its maritime zone.
Undeterred, General Brawner, accompanied by Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, Commander of the AFP’s Western Command, and other AFP personnel, proceeded with the mission on board Unaiza May 1 and accomplished it. After the early “noche buena” with the troops, General Brawner underscored the importance of the BRP Sierra Madre in establishing the country’s presence and jurisdiction within its maritime zone.
“We value your service and sacrifice which demonstrates the Filipino’s indomitable spirit in asserting our rights and performing our obligations under international law,” said General Brawner. He added, "Your President is with you, I am with you, the whole Filipino nation is with you.” //
Photo by Sgt Ambay, PAOAFP
