MANILA (3rd UPDATE) — The Philippines conducted a rotation and reprovisioning mission to the BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal on Saturday without any untoward incidents, the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a release.

The DFA said the resupply mission was done by chartered vessel MV Lapu-Lapu with the Philippine Coast Guard's BRP Cape Engaño as escort.

"It was the first RORE mission conducted under the ambit of the understanding reached between the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China on principles and approaches for the conduct of RORE missions in Ayungin Shoal for the purpose of avoiding misunderstandings and miscalculations, without prejudice to national positions," the department also said.

"On your question on how far were the Chinese ships from ours, we were informed the Chinese Coast Guard vessels  were at a reasonable  distance with no risk of collision," it added.

READ: PCG hopes for peaceful WPS after Manila-Beijing deal

Manila and Beijing have both said that they have reached a "temporary" agreement on resupply trips to the BRP Sierra Madre after both sides agreed to work together to lower tensions in the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone and continental shelf..

Previous resupply missions had been met with dangerous maneuvers and by the use of water cannons by the China Coast Guard and by ships of China's maritime militia.

A confrontation between Filipino and Chinese boats on June 17 led to a Filipino sailor losing his finger after their boat was rammed and later boarded by Chinese personnel.

READ: Navy seaman who lost finger in China ramming details June 17 ordeal

"The lawful and routine RORE mission within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) is a credit to the professionalism of the men and women of the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard, and the close coordination  among the National Security Council, Department of National Defense and the Department of Foreign Affairs," the DFA said Saturday.

CHINA SAYS PH SHOULD HONOR DEAL

Speaking in Laos, where an Association of Southeast Asian Nations gathering of foreign ministers is taking place, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the Philippines should honor its commitments under the deal.

"This morning, based on the provisional arrangement China reached with the Philippines on managing the situation at Ren’ai Jiao, the Philippine side conducted a resupply mission of living necessities," said Wang.

"The entire process was monitored by China Coast Guard. China had been informed of the resupply before it was carried out. After confirming on-the-scene that the Philippine vessel carried only humanitarian living necessities, the Chinese side let the vessel through."

Wang said the arrangement was reached by China with the Philippines based on the "three-point principled position" of China on managing the situation at Ayungin Shoal.

"China’s position on the Ren’ai Jiao issue has not changed. China has sovereignty over Ren’ai Jiao (Ayungin shoal), the rest of Nansha Qundao and their adjacent waters. China will continue to properly deal with relevant territorial issues and disputes over maritime rights with the Philippines through dialogue and consultation."

Speaking to reporters late Friday, Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said he hoped Beijing would keep its side of the bargain.

"If the parties implement, and we hope China implements the agreement, then we'll be able to resupply our military personnel on the ship without any obstruction," he said.

"I think that would be an important step forward in diffusing tensions and hopefully lead to other areas of cooperation on the South China Sea." — with a report from Agence France-Presse

READ: China warns Philippines of 'resolute' response in West PH Sea

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