Tensions continue to rise in the West Philippine Sea as two separate incidents of aggression by China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels unfolded near Ayungin Shoal yesterday, March 5, resulting in injuries to four Filipinos and damage to Philippine vessels.
According to Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela, the first incident occurred at 6:30AM yesterday, when a CCG ship attempted to block the BRP Sindangan, which was conducting a resupply mission for troops stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre.
The encounter led to a minor collision caused by what Tarriela described as the “reckless and illegal action” of the CCG vessel bearing bow number 21555.
“This morning, China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) vessels harassed, blocked, deployed water cannons, and executed dangerous maneuvers in another attempt to illegally impede or obstruct a routine resupply and rotation mission to BRP SIERRA MADRE (LS 57) at Ayungin Shoal,” Tarriela posted on X.
Just two hours later, at 8:15 a.m., the same CCG ship, accompanied by another vessel identified by bow number 21551, unleashed water cannons on the Philippine resupply boat Unaizah May 4.
The aggressive maneuvering and use of force were condemned by the National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS), describing the actions as harassment and obstruction of routine rotation and resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal.
Meanwhile, the NTF-WPS vowed to file a diplomatic protest against China, emphasizing the need to uphold international law and ensure the safety of Filipino personnel conducting lawful activities in the West Philippine Sea.
The Philippine government reiterated its commitment to defending its territorial integrity and maritime rights while advocating for peaceful resolution and adherence to established protocols in maritime disputes.