PH Condemns China Coast Guard Aggression After Collision in West Philippine Sea

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday condemned the aggressive actions of the China Coast Guard (CCG) that resulted in a minor collision with a Philippine civilian vessel in the West Philippine Sea, stating there was "no justification" for the CCG's behavior. The incident involved China Coast Guard vessel CCG-21585 and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel BRP Datu Magat Salamat (MMOV-3015), the DFA said. "The Department of Foreign Affairs condemns the actions of China Coast Guard vessel. ...There is no justification for the CCG vessel to undertake aggressive actions against a Philippine civilian law enforcement vessel, and cause damage to the ship and endanger the safety of the civilian crew," the department said in a statement. The DFA stressed that the BFAR vessel was merely conducting routine and lawful humanitarian activities to support Filipino fisherfolk in the West Philippine Sea.The DFA stated that the CCG vessel's "illegal, coercive, aggressive and dangerous acts" are inconsistent with China's obligations under international law, including the UNCLOS, the 2016 Arbitral Award, the 1972 International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), and the 1974 Safety of Life at Sea Convention. "The Philippines calls on China to respect Philippine sovereign rights within its exclusive economic zone in accordance with UNCLOS as affirmed by the 2016 Arbitral Award, exercise restraint and avoid actions that could further escalate tensions in the region," the DFA said. Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for WPS Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela said the CCG vessel rammed the BRP Datu Magat Salamat while the Philippine vessel was carrying out its maritime patrol and fuel subsidy mission. Tarriela said that at 11:04 a.m., the Chinese vessel reportedly cut across the stern of the BFAR vessel at a distance of only about 10 meters. At 11:13 a.m., while the BRP Datu Magat Salamat was maintaining its course, the Chinese vessel repeated the maneuver and made contact with the BFAR vessel, striking it. The Philippine vessel sustained damage on its starboard side, including bent, broken, and detached metal stanchions and support structures. —LDF, GMA News