MANILA PHILIPPINES – Philippine Coast Guard Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan has already directed the immediate conduct of a damage assessment after BRP Bagacay was involved in a water cannon incident made by the 2 China Coast Guard Vessels.
According to the National Task Force for the WPS the “China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) vessels harassed, blocked, water cannoned, and rammed” PCG and BFAR vessels while conducting a humanitarian mission to Filipino fishing boats in the while enroute to Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea.
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PCG Spokesperson, CG Rear Admiral Armando Balilo said that BRP Bagacay damaged its superstructure, the ship’s main area.
He also added that the Coast Guard Fleet is now evaluating the vessel’s structural integrity to determine needed repairs.
They are also providing its crew with comprehensive medical check-ups to ensure their well-being.
The Agency’s personnel know the risks, yet they continue to fulfill their duties as public servants.
“We want to make sure that the Command provides their needs while in the performance of the PCG’s mandated functions,” CG Rear Admiral Balilo expressed.
He insisted that In compliance with the directive of President they will continue to act peacefully and responsibly” in upholding the country’s sovereignty over its exclusive economic zones (EEZ).