4 hurt after China vessels water cannoned PH resupply boat — gov’t task force

Four people were injured after two China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels water cannoned a Philippine boat on a resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) said on Tuesday.

“The use of water cannons by the CCG vessels shattered the wind shield of Unaizah May 4, causing minor injuries to at least four personnel on board,” the NTF WPS said in a statement.

The injured Filipino personnel were treated by the crew of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel BRP Sindangan.

According to the NTF-WPS, China’s “unprovoked acts of coercion and dangerous maneuvers” against Philippine vessels have put the lives of Filipinos on board at risk and injured them.

“The systematic and consistent manner in which the People’s Republic of China carries out these illegal and irresponsible actions puts into question the sincerity of its calls for peaceful dialogue and lessening of tensions,” the task force said.

The NTF-WPS reported that CCG vessel 21555 performed dangerous blocking maneuvers against BRP Sindangan that led to a minor collision. The incident was recorded at 6:32 a.m.

The BRP Sindangan sustained “superficial structural damage,” the task force said.

At 8:15 a.m., another CCG vessel caused a minor collision with Unaizah May 4 due to its dangerous blocking maneuvers, the task force said.

Two Chinese ships, CCG vessels 21555 and 21551, fired water cannons against Unaizah May 4.

Due to the damage and injuries to the vessel and crew, Unaizah May 4 returned to mainland Palawan under escort of BRP Sindangan.

At 9:30 a.m., Unaizah May 1 successfully docked with BRP Sierra Madre and started its resupply. Its mission was completed and left BRP Sierra Madre at 10:45 a.m.

“The Philippines, for its part, continues to act peacefully and responsibly, consistent with international law, particularly UNCLOS and the legally binding 2016 Arbitral Award. Peace and stability cannot be achieved without due regard for the legitimate, well-established, and legally settled rights of others,” the NTF-WPS said.

“The Philippines will not be deterred from exercising our legal rights over our maritime zones, including Ayungin Shoal which forms part of our Exclusive Economic Zone and continental shelf. We demand that China demonstrate that it is a responsible and trustworthy member of the international community,” it added. — VDV, GMA Integrated News