Read this in The Manila Times digital edition.
THE civilian-led "Christmas convoy" to the West Philippine Sea (WPS) was asked to skirt the Philippine outpost aboard the BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal, the National Security Council (NCS) said, as Chinese ships massed in the contested area days before the convoy sailed.
The BRP Sierra Madre is seen docked at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea on November 10, 2023. (Photo by JAM STA ROSA / AFP)