Two Philippine vessels conducting a resupply mission sustained structural damage following an aggressive maneuver by the China Coast Guard in the West Philippine Sea on early Monday.
According to a report from the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTFWPS), the BRP Bagacay and BRP Cape Engaño sustained minor damage following separate collisions with CCG vessels near Escoda Shoal.
The BRP Cape Engaño first sustained deck damage early this morning around 3 a.m. due to CCGV-3104.
"This resulted in a collision with the starboard beam of the vessel, creating a hole on the deck with an approximate diameter of 5 inches," NTFWPS said in a statement on Monday.
Following this incident, BRP Bagacay was rammed twice on both its port and starboard sides by CCGV 21551, resulting in minor structural damage.
Despite this, the Philippine Coast Guard reported that the two ships continued their mission towards Patag and Lawak Islands.
"The PCG stands firm in its responsibility to ensure the safety and security of our maritime domain while addressing any threats to our national interests," NTFWPS said.
The NTFWPS urged China to comply with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and other relevant international laws to prevent further escalation of tensions in the waters.
Previously, China filed a diplomatic protest over the presence of the PCG vessel Teresa Magbanua at Escoda Shoal, despite it being within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone.
