The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported on Saturday that a Chinese navy ship closely trailed and "challenged" the BRP Francisco Dagohoy near Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea.
The Filipino patrol vessel, which belongs to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), had just completed the delivery of boats, fishing gear, and other items as part of a livelihood assistance program to Kalayaan town when those aboard, including journalists, noticed the presence of the Chinese navy vessel.
According to PCG spokesperson Armand Balilo, the crew members promptly reported the sudden appearance of a Chinese navy ship behind them as they approached Palawan.
"Nung nakadikit na sa Palawan yung mga tao, nag-report na sila na biglang nagpakita ang isang Chinese navy, hindi coast guard, sa likuran nila," said the spox.
However, Balilo said that the Chinese navy ship proceeded to follow the Filipino vessel, issuing three challenges along the way.
"Malapit eh, hindi ko lang masabi kung ilang yards pa pero hindi siya napansin sa radar kasi parang nagpatay daw ng AIS [automatic identification systems]. Pero, sinundan sila at tatlong beses sila chinallenge," he added.
Once the Filipino vessel provided a response, the Chinese navy ship eventually left the scene, ceasing its pursuit. Balilo speculated that they might have returned to port.
When asked about the implications of a Chinese navy ship challenging a Filipino vessel, he refrained from commenting directly, but acknowledged that in the West Philippine Sea, there is generally engagement between white ships, referring to coast guard vessels.
He also acknowledged the presence of gray ships, which typically denote military vessels, in the area.
Balilo further explained that near Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal, white ships are visible at the mouth of the reef, but as one ventures beyond the horizon, navy ships become apparent.
"Sa Bajo de Masinloc [Scarborough shoal], kapag lumipad ka, nandoon yung mga white ships sa mouth nung Bajo de Masinloc, pero over the horizon pag lumagpas pa yung eroplano, makikita niyo na yung mga navy ships," he said.
The encounter between the Chinese navy ship and the Filipino vessel highlights the ongoing tensions and complexities in the West Philippine Sea, where various maritime assets operate.
The PCG continues to monitor and respond to such incidents while ensuring the safety and sovereignty of Philippine waters.
The Philippines has earlier placed navigational buoys within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) to assert sovereignty over the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.
A report dated May 18 from Beijing-based company Sohu.com claimed that Chinese fishermen, under the protection of the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG), had "fished out" all the buoys in Philippine waters. The report further alleged that the PCG felt "angry and helpless" due to the removal of the buoys.
However the PCG dismissed the allegations and confirmed that all buoys positioned in Philippine waters remained intact.
