A suspected Chinese ship allegedly pointed a “high-intensity laser” towards two civilian vessels of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) near the Hasa-Hasa (Half-Moon) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), it was revealed on Sunday, Dec. 8.

The unidentified vessel directed the laser towards BRP Datu Tamblot and BRP Datu Matanam Taradapit around 8 p.m. last Dec. 2 as they were sailing off Hasa-Hasa Shoal while en route to Pag-asa (Thitu) Island, where they were supposed to conduct a routine patrol and scientific research.

The incident lasted for about five minutes, and was detected by the crew of the BRP Datu Matanam Taradapit using night vision camera.

The BFAR criticized Beijing over the incident, noting that the laser-pointing incident could potentially cause temporary blindness and eye pain among the Filipino crew.

“[These] show the reality on the ground that Chinese vessels harass, and at times, attack Philippine vessels conducting regular maritime patrols within the Philippine exclusive economic zone—contrary to the statement of the Chinese Embassy in Manila that the Philippine vessels are the ones conducting the dangerous maneuvering against the Chinese vessels,” the agency said.

Hasa-Hasa Shoal is located 60 nautical miles from Bataraza, Palawan – within the 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

China is claiming majority of the South China Sea including some features in the WPS despite a 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated their dash-line claims.

Last week, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) also reported that Chinese coast guard and navy ships have fired water cannon, sideswiped, and conducted dangerous maneuvers towards PCG and BFAR vessels in Escoda Shoal and Bajo de Masinloc.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila, however, said it was the Philippine vessels that intentionally bumped into their ships. Videos released by the PCG showed otherwise.