A Chinese People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) warship collided with a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel approximately 10.5 nautical miles east of Panatag Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc), while harassing the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel.
Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS), said the collision caused significant damage to the CCG vessel’s forecastle, leaving it unseaworthy.
“Philippine vessels and fishermen encountered hazardous maneuvers and blocking actions from other vessels in the vicinity. In particular, the MRRV 4406 was targeted with a water cannon, but the seamanship skills by PCG crew members allowed the vessel to successfully evade from getting hit,” Tarriela told reporters Monday.
In a virtual press conference, Tarriela said the PCG immediately extended support, offering assistance in man-overboard recovery and medical aid to any injured CCG personnel.
The CCG, however, did not respond to the offer.
“They did not respond to any of our radio communications,” Tarriela lamented.
The CCG 3104, while aggressively pursuing BRP Suluan at high speed, executed a dangerous maneuver from the starboard quarter of the PCG vessel, resulting in a collision with a PLA-Navy warship.
The impact caused significant damage to the forecastle of the CCG vessel, rendering it unseaworthy.
Meanwhile, MRRV 9701 safely escorted the Filipino fishermen to a secure location, where they are now receiving essential fuel and supplies.
Tarriela reiterated the PCG remains committed to ensuring the safety of all maritime activities in the region and extends its hopes for the swift recovery and proper care of the affected CCG personnel.
‘We will not be subdued’
Amid the incident, the Department of National Defense (DND) emphasized the Philippines' firm stance in defending its sovereignty and standing up against foreign intimidation.
“The DND stands in solidarity with the Philippine Coast Guard in the face of Chinese atrocious and inane behavior in the West Philippine Sea. Hindi tayo pasisiil (we will not be subdued),” it said in a statement.
