(Eagle News)–The Philippine Coast Guard condemned what it said were the Chinese Coast Guard’s “unprovoked acts of coercion and dangerous maneuvers against a legitimate and routine supply Philippine rotation and resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal.”
PCG Commandant Ronnie Gil L. Gavan issued the statement as it released a video of a CCG vessel directing a water canon towards a resupply vessel on Nov. 10.
The National Task Force-West Philippine Sea said CCG vessel 5203 did this in an attempt to alter the course of M/L Kalayaan.
M/L Kalayaan and Unaizah Mae 1 were at that time on a mission to deliver supplies to Filipino troops stationed at BRP Sierra Madre.
The Philippine Navy ship has been grounded on Ayungin Shoal since 1999.
“Ironically, they are supposed to ensure safety at sea but they are the ones that deliberately violate the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea,” Gavan said, adding that China was a signatory.
According to Gavan, the PCG has, on the other hand, acted consistent with international law.
“And despite their provocative actions of deliberately preventing our vessels from completing the mission, the PCG has maintained their professional behavior…,” he said.