By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz | Philippine News Agency
A Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel offered aid to a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel, after the latter collided with a China People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy ship in waters off Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Monday morning.
In a Facebook post, PCG spokesperson for the WPS, Commodore Jay Tarriela, said the collision between CCG vessel 3104 and PLA Navy ship 164 happened while the former was chasing BRP Suluan at high speed.
“[CCG 3104] performed a risky maneuver from the PCG vessel’s starboard quarter, leading to the impact with the PLA Navy warship. This resulted in substantial damage to the CCG vessel’s forecastle, rendering it unseaworthy,” Tarriela said.
Following the collision, the PCG offered support to the damaged vessel, including assistance with man-overboard recovery and medical aid for any injured CCG crew members.
The incident happened after around 35 Filipino fishing vessels, BRP Teresa Magbanua, BRP Suluan and MV Pamamalakaya gathered around Bajo de Masinloc to carry out the “Kadiwa Para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda” (KBBM) initiative.
The operation was meant to provide the fisherfolk with fuel and other essential supplies. During the operation, the Philippine vessels and fisherfolk encountered hazardous maneuvers and blocking maneuvers from other ships in the area.
“In particular, the MRRV 4406 (BRP Suluan) was targeted with a water cannon, but the seamanship skills of PCG crew members allowed the vessel to successfully evade getting hit,” he said.
“The Philippine Coast Guard reaffirms its dedication to safeguarding all maritime operations in the area and wishes for the swift recovery and proper treatment of any affected CCG personnel.”
PCG aid offer hailed
Senators commended the PCG for offering medical aid to the Chinese crew members despite continued harassment by its maritime forces.
“Nagawa pa nilang mag-alok ng tulong matapos na makaranas muli sila ng pag-water cannon,” Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada said in a statement.
He described the collision as a “classic case of reaping what one sows” and urged the CCG to stop “dangerous maneuvers” that endanger maritime personnel and fisherfolk.
Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva said the latest incident showed the peril that the troops face in asserting jurisdiction, as he called on China to end its activities in the WPS.
“We’re grateful that despite the harassment, our Coast Guard personnel are safe and able to continue their duty of patrolling our territorial waters,” he said.
Senate Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros urged China to end its “reckless” maneuvers in the WPS. “This proves that Beijing’s own actions are reckless and endanger their own people,” she said.
Hontiveros also called for stronger government support for fisherfolk, year-round maritime patrols and continued access to traditional fishing grounds. (With report from Wilnard Bacelonia/PNA)
