MOST of the Chinese vessels that took part in the recent harassment of Philippine ships on a resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal have left, reports the Manila Times.
Philippines Western Command commander Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos said only one China Coast Guard (CCG) and two militia ships remained near Ayungin Shoal, down from the 26 vessels a few days before.
Admiral Carlos said not all 26 vessels took part in the blocking maneuvres and the water cannoning of a supply boat.
One of the Chinese vessels collided with and slightly damaged a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship.
Admiral Carlos was among the four Navy personnel aboard the PCG ship who was injured after he was hit by pieces of glass when a high-pressure jet of water fired by a Chinese vessel shattered a glass casing.
He said that the number of Chinese vessels near Ayungin Shoal usually surges whenever a resupply mission is underway.
The Philippines maintains a military station on the derelict navy ship BPS Sierra Madre, which was deliberately grounded near the shoal.
Said Admiral Carlos: 'The morale of men is still very high and their commitment is unwavering. We will continue doing our operation in the West Philippine Sea, particularly at Ayungin Shoal.'
He stressed that 'we will follow the instruction of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr that the BRP Sierra Madre will stay there and continue to fly the Philippine Flag.'
China has been demanding that the Philippines tow away the ship from the shoal, in keeping with what it claimed was an earlier commitment by Philippine authorities.
SeaNews Turkey
Philippines Western Command commander Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos said only one China Coast Guard (CCG) and two militia ships remained near Ayungin Shoal, down from the 26 vessels a few days before.
Admiral Carlos said not all 26 vessels took part in the blocking maneuvres and the water cannoning of a supply boat.
One of the Chinese vessels collided with and slightly damaged a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship.
Admiral Carlos was among the four Navy personnel aboard the PCG ship who was injured after he was hit by pieces of glass when a high-pressure jet of water fired by a Chinese vessel shattered a glass casing.
He said that the number of Chinese vessels near Ayungin Shoal usually surges whenever a resupply mission is underway.
The Philippines maintains a military station on the derelict navy ship BPS Sierra Madre, which was deliberately grounded near the shoal.
Said Admiral Carlos: 'The morale of men is still very high and their commitment is unwavering. We will continue doing our operation in the West Philippine Sea, particularly at Ayungin Shoal.'
He stressed that 'we will follow the instruction of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr that the BRP Sierra Madre will stay there and continue to fly the Philippine Flag.'
China has been demanding that the Philippines tow away the ship from the shoal, in keeping with what it claimed was an earlier commitment by Philippine authorities.
SeaNews Turkey
