A Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) pointed a military-grade laser at Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel while supporting a military rotation and resupply mission, causing temporary blindness to the crews.
The Chinese ship illuminated the green laser light twice to BRP Malapascua.
On February 6, a Chinese vessel with bow number 5205 was seen near Philippine BRP Malapascua, approximately 4 nautical miles away, said PCG in a statement.
“The Chinese vessel also made dangerous maneuvers by approaching about 150 yards from the vessel’s starboard side,” PCG added.
BRP Malapascua changed its direction from Ayungin Shoal and headed instead to Lawak Island to continue its maritime patrol and support BRP Teresa Magbanua for its mission to the sub-stations in the Kalayaan Island.
“The deliberate blocking of the Philippine government ships to deliver food and supplies to our military personnel on board the BRP Sierra Madre is a blatant disregard for, and a clear violation of, Philippine sovereign rights in this part of the West Philippine Sea,” said PCG.
Further, it can be remembered that back in August, the Chinese Coast Guard also prevented the Philippine Coast Guard vessels while securing the Philippine Navy in a resupply mission.
On the other note, the PCG said that they will remain steadfast in protecting the Philippine sovereignty and rights in the West Philippine Sea.
“The PCG will continue to exercise due diligence in protecting the country’s territorial integrity against foreign aggression. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) can always rely on the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to support their resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal. Despite the dangerous maneuver of the much larger CCG ships and their aggressive actions at sea, the PCG ships will always be in the West Philippine Sea to sustain our presence and assert our sovereign rights,” said PCG Commandant CG Admiral Artemio Abu in a statement.
