After reports that a Chinese Coast Guard ship directed a military-grade laser light at a Philippine Coast Guard ship, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) urged the Chinese authorities to exercise restraint.
“The Secretary of National Defense has already declared or said that the act committed by the Coast Guard of China is offensive and unsafe,” said AFP spokesperson Colonel Medel Aguilar.
“Therefore, I think it is time for the Chinese government to restrain its forces so that it does not commit any provocative act that will endanger [the] lives of people,” he added.
This was the first time the CCG has pointed a laser beam at a PCG ship, according to Aguilar.
Aguilar responded, “No, hindi dapat mag-escalate,” when asked about a potential escalation.
