Manila: A ranking Philippine Navy (PN) official on Tuesday denied reports made by Chinese media that the BRP Sierra Madre (LS-57) in Ayungin Shoal is polluting the West Philippine Sea by burning its waste materials. In a press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, PN spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said the smoke seen from the vessel was due to a fire drill undertaken by its crew.

According to Philippines News Agency, Trinidad explained that the exercise was conducted to ensure the "survivability and operational readiness" of the vessel. He clarified that the activity took place aboard the BRP Sierra Madre on February 28, and the smoke, which incidentally went beyond the intended scope of the exercise, was promptly controlled. Trinidad assured that there was no environmental damage, and all crew members on the ship were safe, with the exercise being successfully completed.

The PN official noted that the crew used "combustible material" to enhance the realism of the exercise. He mentioned that strong winds contributed to the wider spread of smoke, but the situation was effectively managed and brought under control.

Trinidad further addressed the situation by stating that these claims are part of the "deceptive messaging of the Chinese Communist Party," suggesting that the Philippines is being targeted in the "information domain." He described the situation as a cognitive battle aimed at influencing the minds of the Filipino people, labeling it as a foreign influence and malign influence operation.