White-hulled ships, or coast guard vessels, shall be used to preserve lives and properties at sea, not endanger people’s lives nor cause damage to valuables.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) had this to say to China after the China Coast Guard (CCG) again blocked a humanitarian mission in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Monday, Aug. 26.
Commo. Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson on WPS, said BRP Cabra and BRP Cape Engaño attempted to deliver vital food and supplies to personnel onboard the BRP Teresa Magbanua in Escoda (Sabina) Shoal when they were blocked by a big fleet of Chinese vessels.
China deployed an “excessive force” comprised of six CCG vessels, three People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA-N) ships and 31 Chinese maritime militia boats to obstruct the humanitarian mission, the official further stated.
“Such actions resulted in our two 44-meter multi-role response vessels (MRRVs) being unable to safely deliver essential supplies, including a special ice cream treat from the Commandant [Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan] in honor of National Heroes’ Day,” Tarriela said on Monday night.
“The PCG recognizes that white hulls are unique instruments of diplomacy that promotes peace and maintain harmony and stability in the region,” he added.
BRP Teresa Magbanua has been deployed to Escoda Shoal, located approximately 110 nautical miles from Palawan, since April to guard against illegal poachers and suspected reclamation activities.
The National Heroes Day voyage came a day after Chinese vessels also rammed and fired water cannon at a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) ship while on a resupply mission on Aug. 25.
According to Tarriela, China’s effort to block the resupply mission in Escoda Shoal is reminiscent of their actions in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, where Philippine Navy ship BRP Sierra Madre has been beached and serving as a military outpost for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
“The PCG remains steadfast in our commitment to uphold national interests and ensure the safety and security of our waters,” Tarriela noted.
He then urged the CCG to abide national law and stop its deployment of maritime forces “that could undermine mutual respect, a universally recognized foundation for responsible and friendly relations among Coast Guards.”
China, for its part, accused the Philippines of illegally intruding into the features they claim in the South China Sea. Such claims were already invalidated by a 2016 arbitral ruling, but Beijing continues to ignore the decision.