Philippine military says will send more supplies to disputed reef; govt aim to strengthen position in area

The Philippines will send more supplies to a remote outpost on a reef in the disputed South China Sea as early as next week. - PHOTO: AFP

PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines (AFP): The Philippines will send more supplies to a remote outpost on a reef in the disputed South China Sea as early as next week, a military commander said Thursday, days after Chinese boats disrupted a delivery.

A resupply mission last Saturday couldn't unload all of its cargo after China Coast Guard ships blocked and fired water cannon at Philippine coast guard vessels and charter boats carrying food, water and fuel for Filipino troops stationed on Second Thomas Shoal.