PH vessels rammed, harassed by China anew in West Philippine Sea - Malaya | INQToday

Summary

The Philippines alleges that Chinese Coast Guard ships rammed and aggressively maneuvered near Sabina Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, damaging two Philippine vessels. The incident occurred while they were delivering supplies to disputed islands. Beijing claims the Filipino ships entered Chinese waters without permission. Meanwhile, Taal Volcano remains on alert level one after releasing volcanic smog, and Tropical Storm Dindo has exited the Philippine area of responsibility. Lastly, the Philippines will see a rise in petroleum product prices due to external factors, including the Middle East conflict.

Takeaways

• 🚢 The Philippines reported that a Chinese Coast Guard ship rammed one of its vessels and performed aggressive maneuvers against another near Sabina Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.
• 📍 The incident involved Philippine Coast Guard ships BRP Cap and BRP Bakai, which were en route to deliver supplies to Laak and Patag Islands.
• ⚓️ The BRP Cap was subjected to aggressive maneuvers by a Chinese Coast Guard ship, resulting in a collision that created a hole in the deck.
• 🛳️ The BRP Bakai was rammed twice, causing damage to the ship, approximately 21.3 nautical miles southeast of Escot Shoal.
• 🏝️ Beijing's state media reported the incident, claiming that Philippine Coast Guard vessels illegally entered Chinese waters in the Spratly Islands without permission.
• ⚖️ Despite an international tribunal ruling against China's claims, Beijing continues to assert its claims over almost the entire South China Sea.
• 🌋 Taal Volcano remains on alert level one, with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology monitoring increased volcanic activity.
• ⚠️ Authorities have advised against entry into the permanent danger zone of Taal Volcano due to potential hazards such as steam-driven explosions and volcanic earthquakes.
• 🌀 Tropical storm Dindo has exited the Philippine area of responsibility, with no direct impact on the country's weather conditions.
• 📈 Motorists in the Philippines will face increased fuel prices, with oil companies imposing higher prices due to external factors, including concerns about the Middle East conflict.

Q & A

What incident occurred between Philippine and Chinese Coast Guard vessels?

The Philippine Coast Guard vessels BRP Cap and BRP Bakai had an encounter with Chinese Coast Guard ships near Sabina Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. The Chinese ships allegedly rammed the BRP Bakai twice and subjected the BRP Cap to aggressive maneuvers, resulting in damage to both vessels.

What was the location of the encounter between the Philippine and Chinese Coast Guard vessels?

The encounter took place in Sabina Shoal, which is in the West Philippine Sea.

What were the Philippine Coast Guard vessels doing at the time of the incident?

The Philippine Coast Guard vessels were on their way to deliver supplies to Laak and Patag Islands.

How did the Philippine Coast Guard describe the actions of the Chinese Coast Guard ships?

The Philippine Coast Guard described the actions of the Chinese Coast Guard ships as aggressive maneuvers, which led to a collision with the BRP Cap and two rammings of the BRP Bakai.

What was the reported damage to the BRP Cap?

The BRP Cap sustained a hole on the deck with an approximate diameter of 5 inches due to the collision.

What was the reported damage to the BRP Bakai?

The BRP Bakai was rammed twice, which caused damage to the ship.

How did Beijing's state media report the incident?

Beijing's state media reported that Philippine Coast Guard vessels illegally entered Chinese waters in the Spratly Islands without permission from the Chinese government.

What is the current status of Mount Taal Volcano according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology?

Mount Taal Volcano is currently on alert level one and is in a low level of volcanic unrest.

What recommendations have been made by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology regarding Mount Taal Volcano?

The agency has recommended non-entry to the volcano's permanent danger zone, especially the main crater and the Ang Castillo fissures, and has warned the public of possible hazards such as steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas.

What is the current status of Tropical Storm Dindo in relation to the Philippines?

Tropical Storm Dindo has exited the Philippine area of responsibility and did not directly affect the weather conditions of the country.

What changes are expected in the prices of petroleum products in the Philippines?

Motorists in the Philippines will see an increase in the prices of petroleum products, with an upward adjustment of around one peso per liter for both diesel and gasoline, and kerosene prices are also expected to rise.

What is the reason behind the increase in petroleum product prices in the Philippines?

The price increase is driven by external factors, particularly the rising concern about the Middle East conflict.