Chinese vessels shadow Phl ship in Panatag Shoal

China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels performed dangerous and blocking maneuvers against the BRP Teresa Magbanua during its nine-day patrol at Panatag or Scarborough Shoal from Feb. 1 to 9, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported yesterday.

- EVELYN MACAIRAN

During its mission, the BRP Teresa Magbanua also distributed food packs and groceries to 100 Filipino fishermen who were on board 14 fishing boats and engaged in fishing activities at Panatag, also referred to as Bajo de Masinloc.

“These CCG vessels shadowed the PCG vessel on more than 40 occasions, with the closest distance being 176 meters from its side. The CCG vessels performed dangerous and blocking maneuvers at sea against BRP Teresa Magbanua four times, with the CCG vessels crossing the bow of the PCG vessel twice, recklessly,” said Commodore Jay Tristan Tarriela, spokesman for the PCG-West Philippine Sea.

At 1:26 p.m. on Feb. 8, a CCG vessel reportedly blocked and conducted a dangerous maneuver by passing from the left side to directly in front of Teresa Magbanua.

Tarriela said that the four CCG vessels had bow numbers 3105, 3302, 3063 and 3064.