BY: CHARLES NIKKO LIMON
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources personnel went to Sandy Cay 2 and 3 on January 24 for a study, but before they could approach, four Chinese Coast Guard speedboats blocked them.
Courtesy: Jay Tarriela/PCG
An additional Chinese Coast Guard helicopter also joined the blockade.
The BFAR canceled the study due to harassment by the Chinese Coast Guard, who also followed both the BFAR and Philippine Coast Guard ships.
Despite these actions, the Philippines did not respond aggressively.
The Philippine Coast Guard added that it’s China alone causing the disturbance in the West Philippine Sea.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued a challenge to China to stop claiming Philippine territory.
This challenge was in response to China’s criticism of the U.S. Typhoon Missile System presence in the country.
Despite the president’s challenge, Chinese ships continue to approach Philippine territories.
On January 31, the BRP Teresa Magbanua of the Radio Challenge intercepted a Chinese Coast Guard ship with bow number 3304.
After the Chinese ship sailed near Filipino fishing boats off Zambales, the BRP Teresa Magbanua responded.
The Philippine Coast Guard’s aircraft also monitored and attacked two Chinese Coast Guard ships off Pangasinan.
To strengthen the Philippines’ response, the BRP Bagacay and BRP Cabra were deployed to the coast of Bolinao, Pangasinan.
