Philippine Navy: China Tugboat Can’t Sink Symbol of Sovereignty

The Philippine Navy has confirmed the presence of a Chinese tugboat near Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea but assured the public that the vessel does not pose an immediate threat to the BRP Sierra Madre, the World War II-era warship grounded at the shoal that serves as the country’s symbol of sovereignty in the disputed waters.

In a press briefing on Tuesday, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, the Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said the tugboat was monitored by Philippine forces patrolling the area. While its presence raised questions, the Navy’s assessment indicates it is not capable of towing away the grounded vessel.

“While this is not a cause for alarm, it is also a reason for us to be prepared in case they attempt to tow away BRP Sierra Madre,” Trinidad said. “It will take more than a tugboat to pull out BRP Sierra Madre.”

The BRP Sierra Madre, a former U.S. Navy ship built during World War II, was deliberately run aground by the Philippine military in 1999 to serve as an outpost at Ayungin Shoal. Since then, it has housed a small contingent of Filipino marines tasked with asserting Manila’s claims in the area. Despite constant weathering, saltwater corrosion, and repeated attempts by China to challenge its presence, the ship remains firmly in place.

According to Trinidad, the hull of the Sierra Madre—despite its rusty exterior—remains “strongly anchored on corals.” This makes it highly unlikely that a single tugboat, such as the one deployed by the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), could dislodge it.

“Our assessment is that this tugboat is more for their own use in the event that they would need assistance to pull out any of their ships that might run aground in the shallow waters of Ayungin Shoal,” he explained.

The incident comes amid renewed tension in the West Philippine Sea, where Chinese vessels, including coast guard and militia ships, have repeatedly harassed Philippine resupply missions to Ayungin. These missions deliver food, fuel, and other essentials to the marines stationed aboard the Sierra Madre.

Trinidad emphasized that the Navy is closely monitoring the situation and remains committed to safeguarding the Philippine outpost. “We are prepared for any eventuality. Our troops are aware of their mission, and we are determined to ensure that our sovereignty is upheld,” he said.

The Ayungin Shoal, internationally known as Second Thomas Shoal, lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone as recognized by the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling in The Hague. However, China continues to assert its sweeping claims over almost the entire South China Sea, despite the ruling invalidating such claims.

For over two decades, the grounded BRP Sierra Madre has stood as both a practical military outpost and a powerful symbol of defiance against Chinese encroachment. Its continued presence has become a rallying point for the Philippines’ assertion of its rights in the West Philippine Sea.

While the sighting of a Chinese tugboat has raised eyebrows, the Navy maintains that the rusting but resilient vessel will remain in Ayungin Shoal for the foreseeable future—anchored not only to the corals beneath it, but also to the Philippines’ steadfast defense of its sovereignty.