A five-day investigation on the collision of Chinese vessels with Philippine boats in Ayungin Shoal will be carried out by the Philippine Coast Guard.
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said they are looking to finish the maritime probe in five days time and present it to President Marcos after.
"We are looking at 5 days to complete the investigation. We will submit it to the President through the Department of Transportation," Gavan said during a Palace briefing on Monday, Oct. 23.
Marcos ordered the PCG to proceed swiftly with its maritime investigation in accordance with international maritime safety regulations, following China's "latest aggression" in the West Philippine Sea.
Asked if the result of the investigation will be released to the public, Gavan said " that I cannot answer," as the government is bent on withholding all "operational matters" in the West Philippine Sea.
According to the National Task Force for West Philippine Sea, a China Coast Guard vessel with bow number 5203 "collided" with Unaiza May 2 at approximately 13.5 nautical miles east northeast from the position of BRP Sierra Madre at 6:04 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 22.
The incident took place while supply boats "Unaiza May 1" and "Unaiza May 2" were conducting a rotation and reprovision (RORE) mission to Ayungin Shoal while being escorted by PCG ships BRP Cabra (MRRV 4409) and BRP Sindangan (MRRV) 4407) when Chinese vessels allegedly attempted to block them and made dangerous maneuvers.
China claimed the Philippine vessesl trespassed in Ayungin Shoal despite repeated warnings.
The Philippine Government, on the other hand, "views the latest aggression by China as a blatant violation of international law," stressing that China "has no legal right or authority to conduct law enforcement operations in our territorial waters."