MANILA, PHILIPPINES – China Coast Guard Allegedly Deliberately Rams BRP Teresa Magbanua Near Escoda Shoal, Says PCG
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has reported that the China Coast Guard intentionally rammed the BRP Teresa Magbanua while it was patrolling near Escoda Shoal on Saturday.
According to Commodore Jay Tarriela, the PCG’s spokesperson on West Philippine Sea issues, the Chinese vessel repeatedly collided with the Teresa Magbanua on Saturday afternoon.
“Yesterday, as the BRP Teresa Magbanua was lifting its anchor just to loiter around Sabina Shoal, it was subjected to a dangerous maneuver by Chinese maritime forces,” Tarriela said during an interview on Teleradyo Serbisyo on Sunday evening.
This incident occurred while the ship was surrounded by three China Coast Guard vessels, two Chinese tugboats, and nearly 16 Chinese maritime militia ships.
“Around 12:07, the China Coast Guard 5205, coming out of nowhere, rammed our ship on the port bow… Then, a few minutes later, around 12:18, they rammed the stern, the starboard. Then, they turned again, and around 12:22, they rammed the port side,” Tarriela recounted.
“In a matter of 15 minutes, the China Coast Guard 5205 intentionally rammed the BRP Teresa Magbanua, despite it being unprovoked.”
The PCG official asserted that they have the right to remain in Escoda Shoal based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award given to the Philippines.
“The Chinese government has no reason to carry out such aggressive actions that clearly put the lives of our coast guard personnel in danger,” Tarriela added.
The repeated ramming by the China Coast Guard caused damage to some parts of the Teresa Magbanua, though fortunately, no PCG personnel were injured.
Tarriela stated that they will submit a formal report to the concerned government agencies, which will provide recommendations to the President.
“As far as the Coast Guard is concerned, our mandate is to deliver on our commitment to maintain our presence there. We expect other government agencies to come up with recommendations to the President,” he said.
