PCG chief condemns anew Chinese aggression in WPS

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan issued a statement condemning anew China Coast Guard's "unprovoked acts of coercion" and "dangerous maneuvers" against Philippine vessels conducting a legitimate resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal. Here is the full statement:

STATEMENT OF THE COMMANDANT, PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD, ADMIRAL RONNIE GIL GAVAN

Together with the NTF WPS, the PCG condemns, once again, CCG's unprovoked acts of coercion and dangerous maneuvers against a legitimate and routine Philippine rotation and resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal, that has put the lives of our personnel at risk. The systematic and consistent manner in which the CCG vessels do not align with the universally accepted behavior of a coast guard. Ironically, they are supposed to ensure safety of life at sea, but they are the one that deliberately violate the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 that the People's Republic of China is also a signatory state. The dangerous maneuvering of the CCG vessels are illegal and irresponsible actions that puts into question and significant doubt their narrative of law enforcement and their real identity as a coast guard organization.

The PCG, on the other hand, has acted responsibly, consistent with a rules-based international law, that aligns with the regional norm among the coast guard organizations in the region. Our PCG skippers made sure that despite the reckless deployment of the CCG, we can still be able to prevent from collision happening. And despite their provocative actions of deliberately preventing our vessels from completing the mission, the PCG has maintained their professional behavior and ensure that our firm resolve will not be triggered to escalate the tension.