THE National Maritime Council (NMC) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported another incident of Chinese aggression on Saturday, where a Philippine Coast Guard vessel was rammed by the China Coast Guard in Escoda Shoal.
In a press conference, PCG Commodore Jay Tarriela stated that the BRP Teresa Magbanua sustained damage after it was intentionally hit multiple times by a China Coast Guard vessel.
Tarriela explained that the Magbanua was initially surrounded by numerous Chinese maritime forces and militia vessels “in different areas that are proximate within the distance” to the anchored Philippine Coast Guard vessel.
He narrated that at around 8:50 a.m., the Magbanua hoisted its anchor “with the intention of loitering around Escoda.”
At around 12:07 p.m., when the PCG vessel was already on the move, CCG vessel 5202 executed a “dangerous maneuver,” Tarriela said, resulting in the direct ramming of the port bow of the Magbanua.
“Obviously, the Chinese Coast Guard vessel 5202 has ignored collision regulation because of such action,” Tarriela said.
In the same press conference, Tarriela mentioned that CCG vessel 5202 turned around and then struck the starboard quarter of the Magbanua.
He added that the Chinese vessel “directly and intentionally” rammed the port beam of the Philippine vessel.
“It is important for us to take note that this ramming happened despite our unprovoked action and presence in Escoda Shoal,” Tarriela said.
The PCG has yet to submit a report on the extent of the damage sustained.
The BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRV-9701) has been stationed and anchored in Escoda Shoal since April.
