PH running out of resupply ships due to China harassment –WESCOM

PUERTO PRINCESA—The Philippines is running out of ships to use in its resupply missions to BRP Sierra Madre, a naval post in Ayungin Shoal inside the country’s exclusive economic zone, AFP Western Command commander Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos said. 

Carlos made the remark after China Coast Guard vessels water cannoned the resupply ship Unaizah May 4 (UM4) to keep it from reaching the Ayungin Shoal. 

The official was on board UM4 and witnessed firsthand the water assault. 

In videos provided by the AFP Western Command, Carlos was seen at the ship’s bridge with several crew members when the water cannon from two China Coast Guard vessels hit and broke the glass windows. 

Carlos sustained minor cuts on his fingers while four other personnel were injured. 

“Wala akong nakitang intention to sink just to disable kasi ang target nila is the bridge and smokestack para maano yung engine natin like they did sa M/L Kalayaan,” he said. 

Last December, China water cannoned M/L Kalayaan which impaired it, and was towed back to Palawan. 

He said the ship was returned to the Municipality of Kalayaan, which owns the vessel. 

Also in December last year, another resupply ship, Unaizah May 2 was rammed by the China Coast Guard and remains under repair. 

Carlos said he would still send the UM4 despite the latest water cannon attack. It remains intact and sustained only minor damages. 

But the mission was aborted and it was escorted back to Palawan by the Philippine Navy’s BRP Gregorio del Pilar and BRP Sindangan. 

The water cannoning incident occurred very close to Ayungin Shoal which rattled China. 

“Parang mas malakas this time from the previous water cannon. Talagang tinarget nila, to stop from entering the shoal. We have already penetrated eight (nautical) from the shoal. We’ve already crossed the 12 nautical miles, yun yung parang ano nila eh (quote unquote) territorial seas,” he said. 

Aside from the water cannoning, China Coastguard vessel 21555 collided with BRP Sindangan on its right side while attempting to block the latter on the way to Ayungin Shoal. 

Philippine Coast Guard personnel had quickly put up fenders on Sindangan’s right side and avoided damage. —NB, GMA Integrated News