By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Even before the June 15 enforcement of its threat to arrest and detain “trespassers,” the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) already began its harassment as its boats chased the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and marine scientists from the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP-MSI) during a science mission at Escoda Shoal last Tuesday (4 June 2024).
Believing in its self-imposed imaginary nine-dash line narrative but not recognized internationally, the CCG barked at the PCG to leave, saying: “This is China Sea, China Sea!”
“Nag-deploy sila ng apat na China Coast Guard vessel, nag-deploy din sila ng dalawang chopper nila and even the hovercraft,” said PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Commodore Jay Tarriela on Friday (7 June 2024).
“Para sa akin this is the action of China to intimidate marine scientists para pigilan nila ang pag-survey dito sa Escoda Shoal… They don’t have the proper authority to conduct such amphibious operations within our own exclusive economic zone na hindi naman nila pinapaalam sa Department of Foreign Affairs,” Tarriela pointed out.
It was learned that early in the morning of June 4, rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) from the BRP Teresa Magbanua set out carrying PCG personnel, media members, and marine scientists to assess the coral health at Escoda Shoal.
This science mission came on the heels of reports of crushed corals allegedly being dumped by China believed to be planning to build an artificial island.
A CCG boat repeatedly collided with the PCG vessel as they attempted to interfere with the scientists’ research.
The scientists continued diving and collecting coral samples a Chinese helicopter flew overhead and two hovercrafts appeared.
The following day, a CCG speedboat chased the PCG boats but eventually retreated.
(el Amigo/MNM)
