4 crew members from the PH were injured, vessels were damaged
In the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal, two incidents involving “blocking maneuvers” and a water cannon attack by China Coast Guard (CCG) and militia vessels occurred within hours of each other, resulting in injuries to four Filipinos and minor damage to two Philippine vessels.
According to Commodore Jay Tarriela, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesman for West Philippine Sea affairs, the first incident occurred at 6:30 a.m. when a CCG ship attempted to block the BRP Sindangan, causing a slight collision. Tarriela attributed the collision to the “reckless and illegal action” of the CCG vessel.
Two hours later, at 8:15 a.m., the same Chinese coast guard ship, along with another vessel, blasted the Philippine resupply boat Unaizah May 4 with water cannons.
The National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) described the incidents as attempts to illegally impede or obstruct a routine rotation and resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre (LS 57) at Ayungin Shoal.
In response, the Chinese foreign ministry shifted blame to the Philippines, alleging that provocative moves by Filipino vessels in the South China Sea had led to the maritime developments. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) summoned the deputy chief of mission at the Chinese embassy to protest Manila’s protest.
During the resupply mission, the PCG vessels faced dangerous maneuvers and blocking from Chinese Coast Guard vessels and maritime militia. The collision resulted in minor structural damage to the BRP Sindangan, and the water cannon attack caused injuries to personnel aboard the Unaizah May 4.
The NTF-WPS condemned China’s actions, stating that they put the lives of Filipinos at risk and questioned China’s sincerity in calling for peaceful dialogue. The Philippines reaffirmed its commitment to exercising its legal rights over its maritime zones and demanded that China demonstrate responsibility as a member of the international community.
The Philippine Navy provided support to the resupply mission, with two vessels stationed nearby. The incident highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the Philippine Navy in the West Philippine Sea, stemming from China’s actions dating back to 1992.
News: 4 crew members from the PH were injured, vessels were damaged
