CHINESE VESSEL SIDESWIPED AND COLLIDED BFAR VESSEL

Chinese Maritime Militia vessel "deliberately sideswiped" BFAR vessel which dented the front right section of the BRP Datu Cabaylo (Photo courtesy of BFAR/ABS-CBN News)

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) reported that BRP Datu Cabaylo obtained minor dents after a Chinese maritime militia ship “deliberately sideswiped” the Philippine ship in an incident near Pag-asa Island on October 11.

According to BFAR, around 07:45 a.m. BRP Datu Cabaylo was slowly approaching Pag-asa Sandy Cay 4, Chinese Maritime Militia vessel with bow number 00108 deliberately sideswiped the BRP Datu Cabaylo at the starboard bow, or the front right portion of the Philippine vessel.

"Prior to this, the CMM vessel 00108 conducted dangerous maneuvers and tried to block the path of BRP Datu Cabaylo. (MMOV 3001). These dangerous maneuvers caused the sideswiping and collision with the BFAR vessel, which sustained minor dents in its starboard bow," it added.

The dangerous maneuvers caused the sideswiping and collision with the BFAR vessel, which sustained minor dents in its starboard bow.

In response, China accused the BFAR vessels of sailing dangerously and illegally, claiming their actions violated Chinese sovereignty and endangered Chinese fishing boats and crew. “The behavior violates China’s sovereignty and gravely threatens the safety of Chinese fishing boats and crew.”

“China urges the Philippine side to earnestly respect China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea and stop taking any action that may complicate the situation,” it added.

The BFAR said, despite the harassment, both Datu Cabaylo and Datu Sanday were able to complete their patrol and are now safely docked at Pag-asa’s sheltered port. “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.”

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer 

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