Photo credit: PCG

In a tense situation at sea, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) faced aggressive maneuvers from Chinese Coast Guard vessels, leading to collisions that damaged two of the PCG’s ships early this morning. The PCG vessels—BRP Bagacay (MRRV-4410) and BRP Cape Engaño (MRRV-4411)—were en route to deliver essential supplies to personnel stationed on Patag and Lawak Islands in the West Philippine Sea when they encountered the Chinese vessels.

At around 3:24 AM, while about 23 nautical miles southeast of Escoda Shoal, the BRP Cape Engaño was struck by the Chinese Coast Guard vessel CCGV-3104, resulting in a collision that left a 5-inch hole on the starboard side of the Philippine ship. Just 16 minutes later, the BRP Bagacay was rammed twice by CCGV 21551, suffering minor structural damage on both the port and starboard sides.

Despite these aggressive and unlawful actions, the PCG remained resolute in its mission, continuing on its course to deliver supplies and asserting the country's maritime rights. Both vessels are committed to ensuring the safety and security of the West Philippine Sea, even in the face of such provocations.

The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTFWPS) has called for restraint and adherence to international law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The NTFWPS emphasized the importance of preventing further escalations and ensuring the safety of all vessels operating in this contested region.

As tensions continue in the West Philippine Sea, the PCG’s steadfast commitment to their mission underscores the Philippines' resolve to protect its sovereignty and maritime interests.