Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) even strengthened their maritime patrols in the West Philippine Sea since the previous incident of laser pointing by the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) at the ship of the PCG.
PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu said on Thursday, February 16, via a television interview that the said step was based on the instructions of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Furthermore, Abu said that they have already issued BRP Teresa Magbanua (Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas) at the Kalayaan Island Group (KIP) last February 2.
Instructions also entailed that their men aboard the ship are also asked to seek immediate assistance from the PCG or at the Armed Forces of the Philippines in case a dilemma breaks out.
To recall, a tension occurred between the PCG and CCG after a laser pointing happened as they were doing a resupply mission at the Ayungin Shoal last February 6.