The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday accused a Chinese coast guard (CCG) vessel of directing a "military-grade laser light" toward a PCG vessel supporting a rotation and resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal last February 6.
The Ayungin Shoal is part of the country's exclusive economic zone, an area in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) reportedly occupied by China.
In a statement, the PCG said the Chinese vessel with bow number 5205 directed a laser light at PCG vessel BRP Malapascua during a February 6 rotation and resupply mission of the Philippine Navy.
"As BRP MALAPASCUA reached a 10nm distance from Ayungin Shoal, the CCG vessel was monitored approximately 4nm of the ship's dead ahead maneuvering from the portside heading starboard side," the PCG said.
The Chinese ship then illuminated the green laser light twice toward the BRP MALAPASCUA, causing temporary blindness to her crew at the bridge.
"The Chinese vessel also made dangerous maneuvers by approaching about 150 yards from the vessel's starboard quarter," it added.
IN PHOTOS: Pagtutok ng ‘green laser light’ ng Chinese Coast Guard sa Philippine Coast Guard Vessel na BRP Malapascua sa Ayungin Shoal na nagdulot ng ‘temporary blindness’ sa crew ng PCG | @dzrhnews
— Christian Maño (@xtian_mano) February 13, 2023
📸: @coastguardph pic.twitter.com/d8Cc06Rwgk
Following the incident, the BRP Malapascua altered its course from Ayungin Shoal and headed toward Lawak Island to continue her maritime patrol and support the BRP Teresa Magbanua for the PCG’s own RORE mission to its sub-stations in the Kalayaan Island Group.
The PCG called the incident a "blatant disregard for, and a clear violation of, Philippine sovereign rights in this part of the West Philippine Sea."
PCG commandant Admiral Artemio Abu vowed that they will keep using due diligence in addressing foreign aggression in the country’s territory while maintaining its presence in WPS.
"The PCG will continue to exercise due diligence in protecting the country's territorial integrity against foreign aggression," he said.
"The AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) can always rely on the PCG to support their resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal," Abu added.
