Chinese Maritime Militia vessel sideswipes BFAR ship near Pagasa

MANILA, Philippines — A Chinese Maritime Militia vessel reportedly maneuvered dangerously close and sideswiped a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel last October 11, according to the fisheries agency.

In a statement on Monday, BFAR disclosed that two of its vessels were conducting a routine maritime patrol in the vicinity of Pag-asa (Sandy) Cays, about five nautical miles from Pag-asa (Thitu) Island in Barangay Pag-asa in Kalayaan, Palawan, when the incident occurred.

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BFAR said a Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) vessel with bow number 00108 tried to block BRP Datu Cabaylo (MMOV 3001), which was slowly approaching Pag-asa (Sandy) Cay 4.

This then resulted in the sideswiping and collision of the CMM vessel against the BFAR ship, which sustained minor dents in its starboard bow.

“Despite the incident, the BFAR vessel maintained its position and was able to continue with its

maritime patrol mission in the Pag-asa (Sandy) Cays. Both the BRP Datu Cabaylo and the BRP Datu Sanday (MMOV 3002) successfully completed their maritime patrol mission in the Pag-asa (Sandy) Cays, and are now safely docked at the Pag-asa Sheltered Port,” the agency said.

BFAR pointed out that Pag-asa (Sandy) Cay 4 is located some 5.1 nautical miles southsouthwest of Pagasa Island and is well within the island’s 12 nautical mile territorial waters.

“We commend the officers and crew of the BRP Datu Cabaylo (MMOV 3001) as they continue to perform their duty, in line with the mandate of BFAR, to uphold Philippine jurisdiction and rights over its territorial waters and exclusive economic zone,” it added.