The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Tuesday, Feb. 21, honored the crew of BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) and BRP Malapascua (MRRV-4403) as they want back to Puerto Princesa, Palawan after a challenging deployment in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) two weeks ago.
Admiral Artemio Abu, PCG commandant, led the awarding of the crew of the two PCG vessels that encountered intimidation and harassment from the China Coast Guard (CCG) while patrolling the WPS. Among them were involved in the CCG’s laser-pointing incident off Ayungin Shoal last Feb. 6 which caused temporary blindness to at least 10 crew of BRP Malapascua.
The awarding ceremony was held onboard the BRP Teresa Magbanua while it was docked at the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) in Puerto Princesa City.
According to Abu, the Filipino coast guardians “displayed exceptional courage and stern determination” when they fulfilled their mission to patrol the WPS amid China’s intimidating presence.
“The recent events that have taken place in these troubled waters have been highly contentious and have been a test of our resolve as one Filipino people,” he said.
“For whatever interpretation it may bear, I am enjoining our PCG sailors to continue to muster the much-needed determination and courage to act positively, to endure, and to overcome,” he told the coast guard personnel.
Ayungin Shoal 'rightfully belongs' to PH
In an emphatic speech before the crew, Abu also asserted that Ayungin Shoal “rightfully belongs to our country” as provided under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 tribunal ruling which favored the Philippines’ protest against the massive claims of China in the South China Sea.
The ruling deemed as “unlawful” Beijing’s claims in majority of the SCS anchored on their nine-dash line, as well as their land reclamation activities within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Despite this, China continues to ignore the ruling as it sends big ships to deny the entry of Philippine ships and Filipino fishermen into the WPS.
“While we may not have the advantage of having larger and more sophisticated vessels, our unwavering determination and strong will to uphold our integrity as one solid independent nation and assert our sovereign rights will undoubtedly make a significant difference,” Abu said.
He rallied the PCG personnel to cultivate a culture of competence, discipline, courage and teamwork so they can continue to uphold the country's sovereignty in the WPS.
“I am giving you the assurance that the leadership of the PCG will never cease to look for your welfare and to provide guidance and protection. I wish you well on your upcoming missions and continue sailing safely, all in the name of service to our country, flag, and people,” Abu said.
The laser-pointing incident prompted President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to summon Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian to explain why the CCG continues to intimidate Philippine vessels within the country’s territorial waters.
The incident also drew support from various allied nations that condemned China’s use of blinding laser while the Department of Foreign Affairs filed a diplomatic protest against China due to the incident.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry and the Chinese Embassy, on the other hand, claimed the laser used by the CCG was only a tool to measure the speed and distance of the BRP Malapascua.