The vessels of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) experienced anew another incident of China’s harassment in Ayungin Shoal, with China Coast Guard’s (CCG) vessels blocking Philippine ships in an aggressive maneuver.
Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said PCG used BRP Malabrigo and BRP Malapascua to support the naval operation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines on June 29.
However, when the PCG vessels reached Ayungin Shoal on June 30, two spotted CCG vessels with bow numbers 5201 and 4203, moved closer to the PCG vessels with only a 100-yard distance.
“They had to decrease the speed while at the same time, they have to respond sa mga radio challenge na binibigay sa kanila ng dalawang China Coast Guard vessels,” Tarriela said in the July 5 Laging handa briefing.
“In response, we are also challenging their presence, na ito ay napapaloob sa exclusive economic zone ng Pilipinas. They’re not supposed to be within our exclusive economic zone and that they’re carrying out dangerous maneuvers, and they’re violating the convention on preventing collisions,” he added.
Tarriela said another CCG vessel with bow number 3103, arrived from Bajo de Masinloc, while six other Chinese maritime militia vessels clustered to block the PCG ships from approaching the shoal.
Two People’s Liberation Army Navy vessels were also spotted.
“Actually, the Philippine Coast Guard vessels are being blocked to enter, to come close sa Ayungin Shoal because we are supporting the naval operation ng Arm Forces of the Philippines during that time,” he added.
Just last month, China vessels shadowed a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources ship that conducted a humanitarian mission to Pag-asa Island.
In April, the BRP Malapascua almost collided with a CCG ship when it suddenly intercepted the Malapascua while it was entering Ayungin Shoal.
‘Disregard’
In a separate statement, Tarriela said China’s “attempts to obstruct passage and discourage” PCG vessels’ entry into the shoal “blatantly disregard” the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.
“Furthermore, the PCG is deeply concerned about the presence of two PLA-N vessels in Ayungin Shoal. This is particularly alarming as the Philippine Navy’s naval operation is solely humanitarian in nature,” Tarriela said.
“Despite this, the Chinese have deployed their warships, raising even greater concerns,” he added.
Despite the presence of the Chinese vessels shadowing and blocking the PCG, Tarriela said they were able to successfully carry out its naval operations to reach the BRP Sierra Madre. – With reports from Bea Bernardo and Trisha Casabar-ag
