Chinese vessel rams PCG patrol ship 3 times

The Philippine Coast Guard PCG)’s first 97-meter patrol vessel, BRP Teresa Magbanua, became the latest victim of aggression by Chinese forces, with a single China Coast Guard CCG) vessel ramming it at least three times.

- GHIO ONG

The patrol ship acquired from Japan lifted anchor in the area within Escoda Shoal at 8:50 a.m. yesterday despite being surrounded by People’s Liberation Army Navy tugboats 185 and 175, CCG vessels 4303 and 3104 and five Chinese maritime militia vessels, according to PCG Commodore Jay Tarriela.

Suddenly, another CCG vessel, 5205, was seen sailing toward BRP Teresa Magbanua, as shown in a photo captured by drone of the PCG.

While the PCG ship was on the move, CCG 5205 performed “dangerous maneuvers” around it.

Tarriela said CCG 5205 hit Teresa Magbanua’s port bow, then turned around and crashed onto its starboard quarter, then turned again and struck its port bow. The collisions left holes in parts of the PCG vessel.

Tarriela said the PCG vessel had to drop anchor again within Escoda Shoal at 2:59 p.m.

He pointed out the CCG carried out its “bullying” moves toward BRP Teresa Magbanua “despite its unprovoked action and presence in Escoda Shoal,” which is near the coast of Palawan and within the 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Philippines pursuant to international law and the 2016 Arbitral Ruling. It previously earned the ire of China, filing a diplomatic protest saying it illegally anchored in Escoda Shoal, while China’s state media suspected that its presence was a sign of the Philippines building a forward deployment base, according to Tarriela.

“For the Philippine Coast Guard, the reason for the deployment of BRP Teresa Magbanua is for us to carry out a legal, legitimate coast guard operation within our exclusive economic zone,” he said,

The operation includes routine patrols and provision of supplies and assistance to both PCG personnel and Filipino fisherfolk in the West Philippine Sea.

Tarriela said PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan ordered a team deployed to Escoda Shoal to inspect the damage to BRP Teresa Magbanua.