NTF-WPS condemns China’s dangerous maneuvers, water cannon attack

‘INHUMANE’ The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea said Saturday’s water cannon attack by the China Coast Guard (CCG) caused “significant damage” to the Datu Bankaw (left). It condemned the CCG’s action as “not as only illegal but also inhumane” for it was directed at a humanitarian mission. —Screen grab from Philippine Coast Guard video

MANILA, Philippines — The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) condemned the water cannon attack of China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) on Philippine vessels en route for a routine resupply and rotation (RoRe) mission to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal on Sunday.

According to NTF-WPS, the CCG and CMM “harassed, blocked, and executed dangerous maneuvers” on the Philippine vessels in an attempt to unlawfully impede or obstruct the RoRe mission.

The involved Philippine vessels were BRP Cabra, Unaizah Mae 1, and M/L Kalayaan.

“We condemn, once again, China’s latest unprovoked acts of coercion and dangerous maneuvers against a legitimate and routine Philippine rotation and resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal that has put the lives of our people at risk,” NTF-WPS said.

“The systematic and consistent manner in which the People’s Republic of China carries out these illegal and irresponsible actions puts into question and significant doubt the sincerity of its calls for peaceful dialogue,” it added.

According to NTF-WPS, CCG vessel 5204 deployed a water cannon against the Philippine vessels, which caused “severe damage” to M/L Kalayaan’s engines.

The M/L Kalayaan is being towed back to Ulugan Bay, Palawan, as of posting time, it added.

“Additionally, BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) suffered damage to its mast after being directly targeted by the full strength of the water cannon of CCG,” it added.

Meanwhile, NTF-WPS said that Unaizah Mae 1 successfully reached BRP Sierra Madre and was able to conduct its resupply mission despite CCG 21556 ramming.

READ: China rammed, water cannoned PH resupply vessels – coast guard

NTF-WPS pointed out that Ayungin Shoal is a low-tide elevation within the state’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, in accordance with the 2016 Arbitral Award and UNCLOS.

READ: BFAR vessels come under China water cannon attack

The task force reiterated that the Philippines exercises sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the shoal.

It then demanded that China demonstrate that it is a responsible and trustworthy member of the international community, citing that peace and stability cannot be achieved without regard for the “legitimate, well-established, and legally settled rights of others.”

“The Philippines will not be deterred from exercising our legal rights over our maritime zones, including Ayungin Shoal which forms part of our EEZ and continental shelf,” said NTF-WPS.