Chinese militia vessel sideswipes BFAR boat near Pag-asa Island

A Chinese maritime militia vessel deliberately collided with a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) boat in the vicinity of Pag-asa (Sandy) Cays, the bureau said Monday.

In a statement, BFAR said BRP Datu Cabaylo and BRP Datu Sanday were conducting a routine maritime patrol about five nautical miles from Pag-asa Island in Palawan last Friday when a CCM vessel conducted "dangerous maneuvers" around the Datu Cabaylo and attempted to block its path.

Videos taken by BFAR personnel showed the Chinese vessel coming up against the starboard side of the Datu Cabaylo and sideswiping it. 

“These dangerous maneuvers caused the sideswiping and collision with the BFAR vessel, which sustained minor dents in its starboard bow,” BFAR said.

Despite the incident, the BFAR vessels completed their maritime patrol and safely docked at the Pag-asa Sheltered Port.

“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,” BFAR said.

Earlier this week, the two BFAR ships were water cannoned by Chinese vessels during a resupply mission in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc.

Despite the incident, the BFAR vessels were able to complete its mission and resupply seven Filipino mother boats and 16 small fishing boats. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BM, GMA Integrated News