By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Tension gripped the West Philippine Sea again when two Chinese warships allegedly harassed two vessels of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) by tailing them and pointed lasers at a plane of the same agency in the contested waters on Monday (30 September 2024).
It was gathered that two missile boats of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) of China tailed BFAR’s BRP Datu Matanam Taradapit and BRP Datu Romapenet.
One of the Chinese warships also pointed a laser at the BFAR plane.
In response, BFAR plane pilots issued a radio challenge to the Chinese missile boat but it did not answer.
Aside from this, China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 21555 was also spotted in the area.
Dr. Chester Cabalza, director and founder of International Development and Security Cooperation, said the latest Chinese maritime aggression was alarming and unexpected.
“Nakakabahala itong insidente na ito lalong-lalo na missile ship ang nag-shadow sa ating BFAR ship. Hindi ito expected na nangyayari dahil alam natin na kapag grey ship, tulad ng missile ship na nakita natin, nagpapakita ng ngipin at lakas ang China,” Cabalza said.
The non-profit military association US Naval Institute said the Houbei-class guided-missile craft from the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is noticeable by its blue camouflage paint scheme.
It added that the Houbei-class guided-missile craft could carry up to 12 crew members and 8 anti-ship cruise missiles.
Cabalza noted that China wanted to “build some fear” and intimidate Philippine ships in the West Philippine Sea.
ia/mnm
