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Ch ships ram PCG vessels near Escoda Shoal
By J.Lo
“Despite these incidents, both PCG vessels remain committed to and shall proceed with their mission of delivering essential supplies to personnel stationed on Patag and Lawak Islands,” Jonathan Malaya, spokesman of National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea said Philippines has accused Chinese Coast Guard of performing “unlawful and aggressive maneuvers” after its ships rammed two Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels in West Philippine Sea early Monday.
Two PCG vessels sustained structural damages from colliding with Chinese Coast Guard ships during its supply mission to Patag and Lawak Islands in waters near Escoda Shoal, according to statement by Malaya.
First collision took place at 3:24 in the morning. Monday when BRP Cape Engaño was rammed by Chinese Coast Guard vessel, creating 5-inch hole on its deck.
Minutes later, at 3:40 in the morning BRP Bagacay was hit twice by another Chinese vessel causing minor structural damage to both sides of the ship.
This incident is latest in series of confrontations between Filipino and Chinese vessels occurring away from Ayungin Shoal, submerged reef that is the focus of deal reached by Philippines with China in July to de-escalate tensions during resupply missions to grounded warship stationed there.
Both collisions took place some 20 nautical miles from Escoda Shoal, coral reef formation located 140 kilometers west of Palawan that falls within Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
“PCG stands firm in its responsibility to ensure safety and security of our maritime domain while addressing any threats to our national interests,” he stressed.
Malaya also called for “restraint and adherence to United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and other relevant international laws” to deter another series of escalations and to ensure safety of all vessels in the region.
Chinese state media earlier reported Philippine vessels “deliberately collided” with Chinese Coast Guard Vessels “despite multiple warnings from Chinese side.”
Chinese Coast Guard spokesperson Gan Yu said Philippine vessels “illegally intruded” into the waters adjacent Escoda Shoal, which it calls Sabina Shoal.
“The Philippines has repeatedly provoked and caused trouble, violated the temporary arrangements between China and the Philippines,” Gan said, referring to the provisional agreement struck between both countries in July concerning Philippines’ resupply missions to BRP Sierra Madre.
This flare-up of tensions comes days after Beijing filed diplomatic protest against presence of BRP Teresa Magbanua near Escoda Shoal, China claims as part of its Nansha Islands.
Maritime experts believe temporary deal between Philippines and China in July, full text remains unpublicized, is limited only to avoiding further clashes in the waters near Ayungin Shoal.
Ray Powell, Sealight director and defense and maritime expert said Philippines should note that China has not given up on the rest of its ambitions in South China Sea and will likely “take opportunity to apply pressure in different area.”
China considers almost entire South China Sea, including waters referred to by Philippines as West Philippine Sea, to be its territorial waters.
Philippines filed case against China in 2013, and three years later, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in favor of Manila, declaring China’s extensive claims had no legal basis.
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