PCG awards crew for ‘professionalism’ amid Scarborough mission tension

Philippine Coast Guard chief Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan pins the medal to a coast guard crew during the awarding ceremony for the 43 personnel of BRP Suluan at the Manila Port Area headquarters in Manila. Photo from the Philippine Coast Guard

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Tuesday commended the crew of BRP Suluan for their professionalism during an incident at Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal involving a water cannon attempt and a collision with Chinese ships.

PCG chief Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan led the awarding ceremony for the 43 crew of BRP Suluan at the armed service headquarters in Manila Port Area.

READ: Chinese ships collide off Scarborough Shoal; PH Coast Guard offers aid

“You have proven that indeed we are the most durable point man in keeping the peace at sea,” Gavan said in his speech.

BRP Suluan managed to evade the water cannon of China Coast Guard (CCG) ship with hull number 3104.

CCG-3104 chased BRP Suluan and performed a risky maneuver on the PCG ship, leading to a collision with a Chinese warship.

BRP Suluan crew even offered assistance to Chinese crew who may have been injured due to the collision.

“Bravo Zulu everyone,” Gavan also told the crew. “There are lots of things to do, but always keep in mind that what you’ve done, you should always remain calm, you should always remain professional yet unyielding in the face of whoever they are.” /jpv