By Alec Go
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. summoned on Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 14, Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian to express concern on China’s actions against the Philippine Coast Guard and fisherfolk, according to Malacañang.
This followed the recently reported use of military-grade laser against Philippine vessel BRP Malapascua (MRRV-4403) while patrolling the Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.
“The President summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian this afternoon to express his serious concern over the increasing frequency and intensity of actions by China against the Philippine Coast Guard and our Filipino fishermen in their bancas, the latest of which was the deployment of a military grade laser against our Coast Guard vessels,” the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) statement read.
NEWS UPDATE: Ipinatawag ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. si Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian ngayong Martes ng hapon, Feb. 14,…
Courtesy: Presidential Communications Office
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— PTVph (@PTVph) February 14, 2023
According to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the Chinese vessel “illuminated the green laser light twice toward the BRP Malapascua” on Feb. 6 as the Philippine vessel reached a 10-nautical mile distance from the shoal.
This caused “temporary blindness to her crew at the bridge,” the PCG said. “The Chinese vessel also made dangerous maneuvers by approaching about 150 yards from the vessel’s starboard quarter.”
“As part of her deployment plan, BRP Malapascua altered her course from Ayungin Shoal and headed toward Lawak Island to continue her maritime patrol and support the BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) for the PCG’s own RORE mission to its sub-stations in the Kalayaan Island Group,” it added.
READ MORE: China ship uses ‘military-grade’ laser on PH vessel
A diplomatic protest has already been filed by the Department of Foreign Affairs versus the Chinese Coast Guard over the incident, saying that the act “constituted a threat to Philippine sovereignty and security.”
“The Philippines has the prerogative to conduct legitimate activities within its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. China does not have law enforcement rights or powers in and around Ayungin Shoal or any part of the Philippine EEZ,” DFA Spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said.
China, meanwhile, alleged that the Philippines was the intruder while maintaining that the Ayungin Shoal is theirs.
READ MORE: China says PH ‘intrudes’ their waters; US expresses support for PH
