MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday night condemned the actions of a Chinese Coast Guard vessel that led to a minor collision that damaged Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel BRP Datu Magat Salamat.
“There is no justification for the CCG vessel to undertake aggressive actions against a Philippine civilian law enforcement vessel, and cause damage to the ship and endanger the safety of the civilian crew,” it said in a statement.
The DFA argued that the Filipino vessel was merely conducting a routine and lawful humanitarian activities to support Filipino fisherfolk in the West Philippine Sea.
“The CCG vessel's illegal, coercive, aggressive and dangerous acts are inconsistent with China's obligations under international law,” it said, citing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award, the 1972 International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), and the 1974 Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS).
“The Philippines calls on China to respect Philippine sovereign rights within its exclusive economic zone in accordance with UNCLOS as affirmed by the 2016 Arbitral Award, exercise restraint and avoid actions that could further escalate tensions in the region,” it said.
The ramming caused visible damage to the vessel and occurred approximately 54 nautical miles from Palawan, well within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
BRP Datu Magat Salamat was also the same vessel that ran aground at Hasa-Hasa Shoal on Sept. 17, while approaching Filipino fishing boats to distribute fuel. (PNA)
