CHINESE VESSELS FIRE WATER CANNON TO BFAR, SUCCESFUL RESUPPLY MISSION

A Chinese vessel reportedly fired a water cannon at a ship of BFAR in the shallow lagoon in Bajo de Masinloc on Tuesday (Photo courtesy of ABS-CBN News)

The Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) once more carried out an unprovoked water cannon attack at two ships of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

BFAR reported that BRP Datu Cabaylo and BRP Datu Sanday were conducting a resupply mission to Filipino fishermen in the area when the harassment happened. CCG vessels and one People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessel moved near and shadowed the Philippine vessels.

“The CCG vessels attempted to impede the mission of the BFAR vessels but were unsuccessful. The CCG vessels also opened and directed their water cannons, but this failed to reach the PH civilian boats,” BFAR said in a statement.

“Notwithstanding the dangerous maneuvers and opening of water cannons, both BFAR vessels were able to resupply the Filipino fisherfolk in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc,” it added.

Despite the dangerous maneuvers and opening of water cannons of Chinese vessels, both BFAR vessels were able to resupply the Filipino fisherfolk in Bajo de Masinloc. According to BFAR, the two MMOVs resupplied a total of seven Filipino mother boats and 16 small fishing boats.

Bajo de Masinloc, sometimes called Panatag Shoal, is located 124 nautical miles off Masinloc, Zambales, and is within the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ). It is considered treacherous waters as it is only 30 to 36 feet deep at certain areas, posing a risk to boats becoming grounded by corals.

“The BFAR will not be deterred from fulfilling its mission of patrolling all Philippine maritime zones and providing support and assistance to Filipino fisherfolk in the West Philippine Sea pursuant to its mandate of enforcing all laws and rules and regulations in the management and conservation of fishery resources,” it stated.

Furthermore, the Philippine Navy said that the number of Chinese vessels spotted in the West Philippine Sea has increased to 190 from 178 from September 30 to October 6. “Their continued illegal presence in the WPS blatantly disregards the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling, violates our sovereignty and sovereign rights and highlights the need to modernize the defense and security capabilities of the AFP.”

Source: ABS-CBN News 

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