The Philippines’ Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said a “Chinese maritime militia vessel” deliberately sideswiped one of its two vessels that were conducting a routine maritime patrol.
In a statement, BFAR said the incident occurred on October 11 in the vicinity of Pag-asa (Sandy) Cays, about five nautical miles from Pag-asa Island in Kalayaan, Palawan.
The Philippine Fisheries Bureau claimed that the vessel involved had been a Chinese maritime militia vessel with the bow number 00108.
It also said that it deliberately sideswiped the BRP Datu Cabaylo (MMOV 3001) at the starboard bow (front right portion) of the Philippine vessel.
According to BFAR, the incident occurred as BRP Datu Cabaylo was slowly approaching Pag-asa (Sandy) Cay 4.
“Prior to this, the CMM vessel 00108 conducted dangerous maneuvers and tried to block the path of BRP Datu Cabaylo. These dangerous maneuvers caused the sideswiping and collision with the BFAR vessel, which sustained minor dents in its starboard bow,” it said.
Image via Philippines’ Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)
BFAR noted that despite the incident, the vessel maintained its position and was able to continue with its MARPAT mission in the Pag-asa (Sandy) Cays.
The two Philippine vessels – BRP Datu Cabaylo and the BRP Datu Sanday, per BFAR, completed their MARPAT mission and are now safely docked at the Pag-asa Sheltered Port.
Image via Philippines’ Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)
In response, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the “official vessels” from the Philippines had been involved in the incident and sailed dangerously in waters under China’s jurisdiction.
“As far as I know, the truth is that the Philippine official vessels sailed dangerously in waters under China’s jurisdiction and collided with a Chinese fishing boat conducting regular operation there. The behavior violates China’s sovereignty and gravely threatens the safety of Chinese fishing boats and crew.
“China urges the Philippine side to earnestly respect China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea and stop taking any action that may complicate the situation,” Mao said.
