Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for West Philippine Sea (WPS) Commodore Jay Tarriela on Saturday said BRP Teresa Magbanua was deliberately rammed multiple times by a Chinese vessel.
“This afternoon, the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel deliberately rammed and collided with the BRP Teresa Magbanua three times, despite no provocation from the Philippine Coast Guard,” Tarriela said.
Maritime security expert Ray Powell said the PCG ship anchored since mid-April was apparently on the move with China militia ships swarming around it.
Meanwhile, CCG spokesperson Liu Dejun said of the collision: “The responsibility lies entirely with the Philippines.”
Escoda Shoal is about 140 kilometers off Palawan. The BRP Teresa Magbanua has been stationed there since April due to reports of Chinese reclamation activities.
China recently protested the presence of BRP Teresa Magbanua at Escoda Shoal.
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