The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) slammed China anew after its naval vessel allegedly performed dangerous maneuvers against a Philippine Navy ship in Pag-asa (Thitu) Island in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said that BRP Benguet (LS507) was enroute to Rizal Reef Station for a regular rotation and resupply (RORE) mission last Oct. 13 when it was shadowed by China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy Ship 621 (PLAN 621). The incident took place from 1:40 p.m. to 5:04 p.m.
Aguilar said the Chinese warship attempted to cross BRP Benguet's bow with a CPA (closest point of approach) of 350 yards at 5.8 nautical miles south west of Pag-asa Island.
The PN crew cited the violation of the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collission at Sea (COLREGS) in its radio challenges and demanded that the Chinese vessel to steer clear of the BRP Benguet.
The PN ship then received a counter-response from PLAN 621, saying that the area was part of their territory based on their "ten-dash line" narrative.
"It was the PLA-N that changed its course after the exchanges of radio challenges. In the exchanges of challenges, our Navy personnel warned them that they are violating specific provisions of COLREGS. Still, the act of deliberatey attempting to cross the path of our vesel is irresponsible and unprofessional," Aguilar said on Monday, Oct. 16.
Meanwhile, AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. strongly urged China to cease the dangerous maneuvers and aggressive actions towards Philippine vessels.
He emphasized that the potential for collision and accident at sea further highlights the urgency for China to uphold maritime safety standards.
“These dangerous and offensive maneuvers by China's PLAN not only risk collision but also directly endanger the lives of maritime personnel from both sides. The AFP remains committed to ensuring the safety of its personnel during RoRe missions and asserts that it will continue to adhere to the rules-based international order,” the military chief underscored.
Aguilar described the incident as "disturbing" as he recognized the PN sailors for their skills, professionalism, and restrained conduct which prevented an accident from happening.
"Such actions will only destroy their [China's] image further internationally as such actions show how they disrespect international laws and conventions and reveal their blatant disregard to the well-being of other people's lives," the AFP spokesman stressed.
Despite the harassment, the RORE missions pushed through and was successful.