China Navy aiming lasers at BFAR plane a 'gross violation of int'l laws,' NMC says

The Philippines does not take lightly the People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLAN's) pointing a laser at a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) aircraft in the West Philippine Sea, the National Maritime Council said Tuesday.

In a message to GMA News Online, NMC spokesman Undersecretary Alexander Lopez deemed the incident as a "gross violation of international laws," including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

''We don't take this lightly, as such irresponsible, dangerous, and provocative actions conducted well within our EEZ, impacts on the safety and security of overflights in our maritime domain, notwithstanding a gross violation of international laws and the UNCLOS,'' Lopez said. 

He added that reports would be submitted to the Department of Foreign Affairs for the most ''appropriate diplomatic action'' regarding the incident.

Lopez pointed out that lasers could cause temporary blindness and pose grave safety and security concerns when pointed in the direction of the pilot's cockpit.

''The laser illuminated a 'high-intensity light' and may affect pilots' focus or concentration while on flight,'' Lopez said. 

The incident occurred near Hasa-Hasa Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on Friday, September 27.

Two Chinese Navy missile boats were tailing BRP Datu Romapenet and BRP Datu Matanam Taradapit which were en route to Hasa-Hasa or Half-Moon Shoal, located some 60 nautical miles (111 kilometers) away from southern Palawan, to provide aid and other supplies to Filipino fishermen.

Aside from the two warships, China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 21555 was also spotted in the area. The said CCG ship was responsible for damaging the Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Bagacay and BFAR’s BRP Sanday in separate incidents last month. —VAL, GMA Integrated News