Published March 23, 2024
A Philippine vessel carrying supplies for Filipino troops stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre suffered “heavy” damage after receiving water cannon blasts from China Coast Guard (CCG) ships in its approach to Ayungin Shoal.
In a series of updates to the media, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported that as of 8:52 a.m., the Unaizah May 4 (UM4) “sustained heavy damage… due to the continued blasting of water cannons” from two CCG vessels.
The CCG had continuously impeded the voyage of the UM4, a civilian contracted ship, and its escort vessels on Saturday.
According the AFP, at past 6 a.m., a CCG vessel performed a “dangerous maneuver of crossing the bow” of UM4.
About an hour later, the CCG then conducted a “reverse blocking maneuver” against UM4 on the latter’s approach to Ayungin Shoal “causing near collision.”
Just minutes later, Philippine Coast Guard escort vessel MRRV 4409 was “impeded and encircled” by a CCG vessel and two Chinese militia ships, according to Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea.
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SOURCE: www.gmanetwork.com
RELATED: Filipino crew injured; PH reprimands China over latest harassment
ON A MISSION. Philippine Navy soldiers and essential cargoes are transferred from Unaizah May 4 and BRP Cabra to BRP Sierra Madre off Ayungin Shoal on Saturday morning (March 23, 2024). The resupply boat Unaizah May 4 was damaged by yet another water cannon attack by the China Coast Guard. (Photo courtesy of AFP)
Published March 23, 2024
MANILA – The Philippines rebuked China over its latest acts off Ayungin Shoal that severely damaged a Filipino resupply boat on its way to resupply troops stationed at BRP Sierra Madre on Saturday morning.
The crew members of Unaizah May 4 (UM4) were also injured after China Coast Guard (CCG) directed water cannons against the resupply boat.
“The People’s Republic of China’s (PRC’s) latest acts of unprovoked aggression, coercion, and dangerous maneuvers against a legitimate and routine Philippine RoRe (routine rotation and resupply) mission to Ayungin Shoal, have once again placed at risk, caused severe damage to property, and caused physical harm to Filipinos on board UM4,” the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) said in a statement.
“The systematic and consistent manner in which the PRC continues to carry out these illegal and irresponsible actions belies its hollow claims to peace, dialogue, and adherence to international law.”
