PCG to submit in 5 days the result of probe into WPS boat collisions

‘DANGEROUS, IRRESPONSIBLE’   In this screenshot of a video taken by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) some 2 kilometers east of Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, China Coast Guard Vessel No. 5203 blocks a boat contracted by AFP for a resupply mission on Sunday morning (October 22, 2023) in that area of West Philippine Sea.

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will submit in five days the result of its investigation on the collision of vessels in Ayungin Shoal.

Newly appointed PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan gave the schedule on Monday.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had directed PCG to probe the collision of Chinese and Philippine vessels in Ayungin Shoal.

“We are looking at five days to complete the investigation,” said Cavan in a Palace briefing.

He said this is a self-imposed deadline.

Once the report is finished, PCG will submit it to Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, who will relay the outcome to Marcos.

Asked by reporters if the probe results will be released to the public, Cavan said he could not disclose the outcomes.

Chinese vessels had hit two Philippine boats on a resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre.

The latest aggression from China has drawn the condemnation of Philippine leaders and the international community.

The United States had expressed its support for a rules-based, international order following the collision.

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