Phl scientists harassed by China helicoper

Another case of harassment at sea by the Chinese has been reported this time near Pag-Asa Island last Saturday involving a helicopter, which hovered dangerously close to a group of Filipino scientists doing research work on a sand bar called Sandy Cay, causing minor injuries.

- BELLA CARIASO

A two-minute video released by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) showed a white helicopter with Chinese markings and with tail number 57 approaching the sand bar and positioning about 50 feet above the group of scientists from the University of the Philippines' Institute of Biology and National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (UP-NFRDI).

The helicopter's movement created a whirlwind, sending sand and splashes of water around the Filipinos, who struggled to keep their boat steady. One of the Filipinos reportedly almost drowned, the BFAR said.

No other details, such as their identities or the extent of their injuries, were reported.

In the interest of safety, the group abandoned its work after the Chinese harassment, according to BFAR.

The incident happened on the same day that the Chinese coast guard made another attempt to block Filipino vessels from resupplying a military outpost on the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.

Sought for comment on the Sandy Cay incident, Department of Agriculture spokesman Arnel de Mesa said they are not authorized to issue statements on the West Philippine Sea issue. BFAR is an attached agency of the DA.

Confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels, including collisions, in the strategic waterway have strained relations between Manila and Beijing, which have a long history of maritime territorial disputes.

Last week, a boat belonging to the BFAR was taking marine scientists to Sandy Cay when a China coast guard vessel crossed its path, coming as close as 330 feet to the boat, Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela said.

Tarriela said the China coast guard vessel sounded a siren for more than 30 minutes to draw the attention of Chinese maritime militia boats in the area.