2 PCG SHIPS DAMAGED IN COLLISIONS WITH CHINESE VESSELS

The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) said two Philippine Coast Guard ships were damaged in collisions with Chinese vessels conducting “unlawful and aggressive maneuvers” near a disputed South China Sea reef before dawn Monday.

According to the NTF-WPS, The Chinese coast guard vessels’ actions near Sabina Shoal resulted in collisions causing structural damage to both PCG vessels.

The NTF-WPS said the PH vessels were on their way to Patag and Lawak Islands in the West Philippine Sea when the incident happened.

The Filipino crew were unhurt and proceeded with their mission to resupply Philippine-garrisoned islands in the Spratlys.

Meanwhile, Beijing had a different story regarding the collision.

The spokesperson of the China Coast Guard, in a state broadcast, said that despite multiple warnings from the Chinese side, Philippine vessel 4410 deliberately collided with China’s 21551 vessel.

Beijing has continued to press its claims to almost the entire South China Sea despite an international tribunal ruling that its assertion has no legal basis.

China claims most of the South China Sea ,including Sabina Shoal, located 140 kilometers west of the Philippine island of Palawan, the closest major land mass.