Three more Chinese research vessels were also spotted around Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal aside from the one spotted earlier near Samar, the PCG said.
Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesman on the West Philippine Sea, said three CCG ships with bow numbers 3305, 3105 and 5303 fired their water cannons at the PCG’s 44-meter multi-role response vessel BRP Bagacay and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)’s ship BRP Bankaw. The water cannon attacks began at 9:53 a.m., according to Tarriela.
The Bagacay sustained damage to its starboard after it was rammed by a Chinese vessel.
Tarriela said that during their patrol, the two Philippine vessels “encountered dangerous maneuvers and obstruction” from four CCG vessels and six Chinese maritime militia vessels.
“At approximately 9:53 (a.m.), when the BFAR vessel was about 12 nautical miles from Bajo de Masinloc, CCG3305 utilized its water cannon, directly hitting the starboard astern of the BFAR vessel,” Tarriela said in a statement.
“When the PCG vessel was approximately 1,000 yards east-southeast of Bajo de Masinloc, CCG-3105 and CCG-5303 employed their jet stream water cannons, targeting the PCG vessel from both sides, resulting in damage to the railing and canopy,” the PCG official added.
“This damage serves as evidence of the forceful water pressure used by the China Coast Guard in their harassment of the Philippine vessels,” he added.
He also pointed out that China had again installed a 380-meter floating barrier around the entire entrance of the shoal, thus restricting access to the area.
Esta historia es de la edición May 01, 2024 de The Philippine Star.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición May 01, 2024 de The Philippine Star.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
DA seeks more funding for high-value crops
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is seeking an eight fold increase in its budget for its high-value crops (HVC) program next year to improve the productivity of around 30 commodities and expand exports of key commodities.
EPSON aims to be carbon-free by 2050
The president of Japanese printer manufacturer Epson in the Philippines expressed optimism that the goal of totally removing carbon emission from their products and operations by 2050 will be attained within 26 years.
28 priority projects lined up for Luzon Economic Corridor
The Philippine government has presented a list of 28 priority projects in areas such as infrastructure development, electronics and semiconductors, food production and storage and renewable energy sourcing in the proposed Luzon Economic Corridor.
DBP eyes over P30 B from bond sale in Q4
State-run Development Bank of the Philippines plans to raise over P30 billion from a bond issuance in the fourth quarter of the year.
Toyota mulls rollout of more hybrid EVs
Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP) is looking to introduce more hybrid electric vehicles in the country following the government’s recent move to include HEVs in the coverage of EVs that can enjoy zero tariffs.
KINGS SEIZE PIVOTAL 3-2 LEAD
In the first five minutes of the third quarter, Meralco went pounding and created a 15-point separation against Ginebra.
4 US Army vessels run aground in Gaza
WASHINGTON (AFP) Four US Army vessels supporting the temporary pier built to deliver aid to Gaza have run aground in heavy seas and Israel is aiding a recovery effort, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Saturday.
UN: PNG landslide toll rises to 670
PORT MORESBY (AFP) More than 670 people are believed to have died after a massive landslide in Papua New Guinea, a UN official told AFP yesterday as aid workers and villagers braved perilous conditions in their desperate search for survivors.
Baste questions relief of 35 Davao cops
DAVAO CITY Davao Mayor Sebastian Duterte yesterday questioned the relief of city police chief Col. Richard Bad-ang and 34 other police officers.
Ex-DOF exec convicted anew for tax credit scam
In a 118-page decision promulgated on May 23, the anti-graft court's Seventh Division found Andutan guilty of six counts of violation of Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.