MANILA, Philippines — Two vessels of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) were harassed by a Chinese militia vessel while conducting a routine maritime patrol off Pag-asa Island in Palawan.
The BFAR said that the incident occurred last Oct. 11 in the vicinity of Sandy Cay, about five nautical miles from Pag-asa Island in Kalayaan, Palawan.
“At around 07:45 (a.m.) as BRP Datu Cabaylo was slowly approaching Pag-asa (Sandy) Cay 4, Chinese maritime militia vessel with bow number 00108 deliberately sideswiped the Datu Cabaylo at the starboard bow (front right portion) of the Philippine vessel,” the BFAR said in a statement.
It added that prior to this, the Chinese militia vessel conducted dangerous maneuvers and tried to block the path of Datu Cabaylo.
“These dangerous maneuvers caused the sideswiping and collision with the BFAR vessel, which sustained minor dents in its starboard bow,” according to the state agency.
Despite the incident, the BFAR vessel maintained its position and was able to continue with its mission in the Pag-asa Cays.
“Both the BRP Datu Cabaylo and the BRP Datu Sanday successfully completed their mission in the Pag-asa Cays, and are now safely docked at the Pag-asa Sheltered Port,” it added.
According to the BFAR, Sandy Cay 4 is located at 5.1 nautical miles south-southwest of Pag-asa Island and is well within the island’s 12 nautical miles territorial waters.
“We commend the officers and crew of the BRP Datu Cabaylo (MMOV 3001) as they continue to perform their duty, in line with the mandate of BFAR, to uphold Philippine jurisdiction and rights over its territorial waters and exclusive economic zone,” the agency added.