BRP Sierra Madre anchored at Second Thomas Shoal (Photo: Niño Jesus Orbeta/Daily Inquirer News)
INDO-PACIFIC
Philippines Cancels Resupply Mission to Second Thomas Shoal
On January 22nd, the Philippines announced they cancelled a resupply mission to the Second Thomas Shoal (STS) scheduled to occur over the weekend. An Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Colonel Francel Padilla said that one of the contracted civilian vessels, the Unaizah Mae (UM) 1, had unspecified 'technical difficulties' that prevented its use. The spokesperson then said that the mission will go ahead once the ship is repaired and deemed ship worthy.