The Philippines has formulated contingency protocols to respond if China attempts to remove the BRP Sierra Madre, a grounded Philippine naval ship stationed at Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, spokesperson for the Philippine Navy in the WPS, emphasized that any approach by a towing vessel toward the BRP Sierra Madre constitutes a red line that Manila will not tolerate.

"The approach of a towing vessel to the BRP Sierra Madre is a red line. We will not allow that. The Philippine government has red lines. Our contingency plans for that red line have already been established," Admiral Trinidad stated during a press briefing in Quezon City.

However, details regarding the specific contingency measures have been withheld to maintain operational security. "These are usually operational details that we don’t post publicly. That is part of our approach in the West Philippine Sea... strategic ambiguity. Hindi mo nilalabas lahat ng galaw mo (You do not divulge all your actions)," he explained.

Earlier reports indicated that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) had positioned a tugboat near the BRP Sierra Madre. Despite this, Admiral Trinidad reassured that this did not pose an immediate threat to the vessel’s presence, adding, "It will take more than a tugboat to pull out BRP Sierra Madre."

He further noted that the tugboat has since left the vicinity, suggesting it was likely stationed as a precautionary measure for potential Chinese ships running aground in the area. "Ang assessment natin na ang tugboat na ‘yun ay para sa kanila (China), kung sakaling may masadsad na barko sila sa Ayungin Shoal," he said.

The BRP Sierra Madre, a World War II-era ship deliberately grounded on Ayungin Shoal since 1999, symbolizes the Philippines’ claim to sovereignty in the region. Ayungin Shoal, a submerged reef within the Spratly Island chain, lies approximately 105 nautical miles west of Palawan and falls within the country’s 200-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Admiral Trinidad concluded by affirming that the Philippines will firmly prevent any attempt to tow the Sierra Madre from its strategic post.

This development underscores ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea, where the Philippines has consistently sought to uphold its territorial claims amid escalating Chinese maritime activities.