DAMAGED The BRP Bagacay, which was earlier hit by the China Coast Guard’s water cannon in Bajo de Masinloc, is docked at Pier 13 in Manila South Harbor on Thursday (May 2, 2024). Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo inspected the damage to the ship’s port railings, LED screen display and a steel canopy at the back of the vessel, all estimated at P2 million. PNA
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday summoned the Chinese Embassy of Manila Deputy Chief of Mission Zhou Zhiyong over another harassment of Philippine vessels conducting routine humanitarian mission to Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal.
In a statement, the DFA said the Philippines "protested the harassment, ramming, swarming, shadowing and blocking, dangerous maneuvers, use of water cannons, and other aggressive actions" of the China Coast Guard and Chinese maritime militia vessels against the vessels of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) last April 30.
"The Philippines demanded that Chinese vessels leave Bajo de Masinloc and its vicinity immediately," the statement read.
China’s aggressive actions, particularly its water cannon use, caused damage to the vessels of PCG and BFAR.
DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza said for this year alone, the Philippines has lodged 20 diplomatic protests against China as of April 30 and a total of 153 under the Marcos administration.
According to the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS), the PCG vessel BRP Bagacay suffered some damage to a part of its superstructure from targeted high-pressure water cannoning by CCG vessels.
BFAR's BRP Bankaw also sustained damage to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems; electrical, navigation and radio systems; and superficial hull.
National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela shared that the CCG use of "jet stream pressure" water cannon against Philippine vessels on routine humanitarian mission to Bajo de Masinloc has heightened the tension in the West Philippine Sea, highlighting China’s “lack of concern for regional peace and stability.”
"This is the first time that the Coast Guard vessel has been subject to a direct water cannon with that kind of pressure that resulted in structural damage," Tarriela said.
He said the water pressure used by the CCG was so forceful that it damaged both Philippine vessels.
“Their actions reveal their true intentions and expose their pretentious facade of claiming to be a benevolent rising power,” Tarriela said.
He said the country’s transparency tactic in its clashes with China in the WPS has been a success in “showing the world the barbaric and unruly behavior of China, who resort to using force to justify their greed.”
“China has forgotten that transparency aims to expose their illegal actions, which they once successfully portrayed as gray zone tactics,” he said.
Following China's use of "jet stream pressure", he said they would make a recommendation and report it to the NTF.
Damage assessment
In a statement Thursday, PCG spokesperson, Rear Admiral Armando Balilo said preliminary assessment found that Bagacay incurred damage to its superstructure -- the ship’s main area -- including a collapsed railing and canvas roof.
PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan has ordered the Coast Guard Fleet to evaluate the structural integrity of the vessel and determine needed repairs.
“We are also providing its crew with comprehensive medical check-ups to ensure their well-being. Our personnel know the risks, yet they continue to fulfill their duties as public servants,” Balilo said.
He assured the PCG Command would provide for the needs of its personnel in the performance of their duty.
Despite the attack, he said the PCG would continue to comply with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to “continue to act peacefully and responsibly” in upholding the country’s sovereignty over its exclusive economic zones, including Bajo de Masinloc in the WPS. PNA
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