ON October 13, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported that the Philippine Navy's BRP Benguet encountered and issued repeated radio warnings to a Chinese People's Liberation Army navy (PLAN) 621 ship in the southwest waters of Pag-asa Island, reports the Philippine Star.
The Chinese vessel was said to have closely shadowed the Benguet at a distance of 80 yards and attempted to cross in front of it, coming as close as 350 yards in the closest point of approach.
The incident unfolded between 1:40 pm and 5:04 pm, as detailed by AFP Public Affairs Office chief Lt Col Enrico Gil Ileto.
When the encounter occurred, the BRP Benguet was en route to Rizal Reef Station for a routine rotation and resupply mission.
In their radio communications, the Philippine Navy crew pointed out the Collision Regulations (COLREG) violation and insisted that the Chinese vessel steer clear of the Benguet.
In response, PLAN 621 used their disputed '10-dash line' warning, which the AFP regarded as unsubstantiated.
AFP Western Command Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos expressed concern over the Chinese navy vessel's dangerous manoeuvres, which seriously threatened safety at sea.
Admiral Carlos called for China to immediately cease these unsafe actions and conduct themselves professionally in accordance with international law.
AFP chief of staff General Romeo Brawner strongly urged China to halt these risky maneuvers and aggressive actions against Philippine vessels.
The potential for maritime collisions and accidents underscores the need for China to uphold maritime safety standards.
General Brawner emphasised the AFP's commitment to ensuring the safety of its personnel during resupply missions, pledging to adhere to the rules-based international order.
The AFP stated that the Philippines continues calling on China to cease its illegal activities in its maritime zones.
SeaNews Turkey
The Chinese vessel was said to have closely shadowed the Benguet at a distance of 80 yards and attempted to cross in front of it, coming as close as 350 yards in the closest point of approach.
The incident unfolded between 1:40 pm and 5:04 pm, as detailed by AFP Public Affairs Office chief Lt Col Enrico Gil Ileto.
When the encounter occurred, the BRP Benguet was en route to Rizal Reef Station for a routine rotation and resupply mission.
In their radio communications, the Philippine Navy crew pointed out the Collision Regulations (COLREG) violation and insisted that the Chinese vessel steer clear of the Benguet.
In response, PLAN 621 used their disputed '10-dash line' warning, which the AFP regarded as unsubstantiated.
AFP Western Command Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos expressed concern over the Chinese navy vessel's dangerous manoeuvres, which seriously threatened safety at sea.
Admiral Carlos called for China to immediately cease these unsafe actions and conduct themselves professionally in accordance with international law.
AFP chief of staff General Romeo Brawner strongly urged China to halt these risky maneuvers and aggressive actions against Philippine vessels.
The potential for maritime collisions and accidents underscores the need for China to uphold maritime safety standards.
General Brawner emphasised the AFP's commitment to ensuring the safety of its personnel during resupply missions, pledging to adhere to the rules-based international order.
The AFP stated that the Philippines continues calling on China to cease its illegal activities in its maritime zones.
SeaNews Turkey
