Press Conference of Philippine Coast Guard 8/31/2024

Summary

In a press conference, the Philippine Coast Guard reported an incident where a Chinese Coast Guard vessel, 5202, rammed the Philippine vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua within the Sibutu Shoal. The incident occurred without provocation, resulting in significant damage to the Philippine vessel. Despite the harassment, the Philippine Coast Guard remains committed to its operations within the country's exclusive economic zone, asserting their legal and legitimate presence as per the 2016 Arbitral ruling.

Takeaways

• 😀 The press conference was held by the Philippine Coast Guard to address an incident involving a Chinese Coast Guard vessel ramming a Philippine vessel.
• 🚢 The incident occurred at Sabina Shoal (also known as Shoal of Escoda) where the BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRB 9701) was deployed since April 15.
• 📹 Videos were presented to detail the events leading up to and including the ramming incident by the Chinese Coast Guard vessel 5205.
• ⚓️ The BRP Teresa Magbanua was anchored with the intention of loitering around the shoal when it was approached by Chinese maritime forces.
• 🛑 The Chinese Coast Guard vessel 5205 performed dangerous maneuvers, ramming the port bow and starboard quarter of the BRP Teresa Magbanua.
• 🔧 The ramming caused damage to the bridge and freeboard of the BRP Teresa Magbanua, with a hole resulting from the direct impact.
• ⏰ The incident happened around 12:07 PM, and the Philippine Coast Guard vessel continued its operation within the area after the incident.
• 👥 There were no reported injuries to the personnel on board the BRP Teresa Magbanua.
• 🏢 The Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, expressed serious concern and communicated with the Chinese Embassy regarding the incident.
• ⚖️ The Philippine Coast Guard maintains that their operations are legal and legitimate within their exclusive economic zone, asserting that the Chinese Coast Guard's presence is illegal.

Q & A

What was the purpose of the press conference held by the Philippine Coast Guard?

The purpose of the press conference was to inform stakeholders and the public about the incident where a Chinese Coast Guard vessel rammed the Philippine Coast Guard vessel, BRP Teresa Magbanua, and to present detailed information and videos of the event.

Who were the speakers at the press conference?

The speakers at the press conference were Under Secretary Alexander S. Lopez, the spokesperson of the National Maritime Council, and Commodore J, the spokesperson of the National Task Force of Coast Guard matters of the West Philippine Sea.

What was the location of the incident involving the Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua?

The incident occurred at the Scarborough Shoal (also referred to as Shoal of Escoda), where the Chinese Coast Guard vessel rammed the BRP Teresa Magbanua.

What were the Chinese vessels involved in the incident?

The Chinese vessels involved in the incident included two PLA Navy tag boats (175 and 185), two China Coast Guard vessels (4301 and 3104), and Chinese Maritime Militia vessels, as well as China Coast Guard vessel 5205, which was not originally deployed there.

What actions did the Chinese Coast Guard vessel 5205 take during the incident?

The Chinese Coast Guard vessel 5205 carried out dangerous maneuvers, resulting in direct ramming on the port bow of the BRP Teresa Magbanua, and later intentionally rammed the vessel on the starboard quarter and port beam.

What damages were sustained by the BRP Teresa Magbanua as a result of the ramming?

The BRP Teresa Magbanua sustained damages on the bridge, the freeboard, and there was a hole resulting from the direct ramming conducted by the China Coast Guard vessel.

Was there any injury reported on the Philippine Coast Guard vessel after the incident?

As of the time of the press conference, there were no reported injured personnel on the BRP Teresa Magbanua.

What was the status of the BRP Teresa Magbanua after the incident?

As of 2:59 PM that day, the BRP Teresa Magbanua had dropped its anchor and was still located within the Scarborough Shoal.

How did the Philippine Coast Guard respond to the incident in terms of their presence in the area?

Despite the incident, the Philippine Coast Guard stated that there would be no reason for them to withdraw their Coast Guard vessels from the area, as their deployment is purely for legal and legitimate Coast Guard operations within their own exclusive economic zone.

What was the reaction of the Philippine government to the incident?

The Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement expressing serious concern over the actions of the Chinese vessels and conveyed this to the Chinese Embassy and the Embassy of the Philippines in Beijing.

What is the legal basis for the Philippine Coast Guard's presence in the Scarborough Shoal?

The Philippine Coast Guard's presence in the Scarborough Shoal is based on the 2016 Arbitration ruling, which recognizes the area as within the Philippines' 200 nautical miles exclusive economic zone, where they exercise sovereign rights and jurisdiction.