‘Christmas convoy’ did not have permission to visit troops in Ayungin Shoal – NSC

MANILA, Philippines: THE civilian-led Christmas convoy to the West Philippine Sea 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. Chinese vessels were also spotted along the Mischief (Panganiban Reef) even when this was not included in the itinerary of the Philippine ships that sailed on Friday. The NSC said it did not give the convoy, calling itself “Atin Ito” (This is ours), permission to drop off the gifts and donations to the Filipino troops…