DFA Defends 'Provisional Understanding' Governing BRP Sierra Madre Resupply After Carpio Criticism

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs on August 7, 2026 publicly defended the government's provisional understanding with China governing Rotation and Resupply (RORE) missions to BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, after retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio warned the arrangement could undermine Philippine rights under the 2016 Arbitral Award and opposed extending it across the wider West Philippine Sea. DFA Spokesperson Rogelio Villanueva Jr. said the accord 'does not require the AFP to seek permission, nor involve the boarding and inspection of its vessels during RORE missions,' and challenged Carpio to 'offer the AFP any viable alternative that can ensure the continued efficient, timely, and safe conduct of resupply missions' instead of criticizing government policy.