PH vessels rammed, harassed by China anew in West Philippine Sea – Malaya

PH vessels rammed, harassed by China anew in West Philippine Sea – Malaya

Damage incurred by Philippine Coast Guard ship’s BRP Cape Engaño after the “aggressive maneuvers” of the China Coast Guard. PHOTO FROM THE PCG

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines on Monday said that one of its coast guard vessels was rammed and another subjected to “aggressive maneuvers” by Chinese coast guard ships in Escoda (Sabina) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

The National Security Council Jonathan Malaya spokesperson confirmed that  Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ships BRP Cape Engaño and BRP Bacagay encountered the China Coast Guard (CCG) on Monday morning while delivering supplies to Lawak and Patag islands.

“Despite these incidents, both Philippine Coast Guard vessels remain committed to, and shall proceed with, their mission of delivering essential supplies stationed to personnel in Lawak and Patag islands,” Malaya said in a forum in Manila.

READ: China, PH ships ‘collided’ in West Philippine Sea, Beijing says

According to Malaya, while navigating 23 nautical miles southeast of Escoda Shoal at approximately 3:24 am, BRP Cape Engaño was “subjected to aggressive maneuvers” by a CCG ship.

“This resulted in a collision with the starboard beam of the vessel, creating [a] hole on the deck with an approximate diameter of five inches,” he added.

READ: PH to China: Escoda Shoal is ours, PCG ship has right to operate there

At 3:40 a.m., Malaya said BRP Bacagay, located approximately 21.3 nautical miles southeast of Escoda Shoal, was “rammed twice,” also causing damage to the ship.

Chinese state media CCTV earlier broke this news, saying the incident between the two countries led to a “glancing collision.”



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