Ramming an anchored boat ‘not normal maritime accident’ – PH Navy chief

MANILA, Philippines — The sinking of the Philippine fishing boat by a Chinese vessel in the West Philippine Sea was “not a normal maritime accident.”

“The ship was rammed. This is not a normal maritime accident because it was anchored. The other one was stationary,” Vice Adm. Robert Empedrad told reporters on the sidelines of the Philippine Navy’s maritime symposium on Friday. 

The Navy chief’s statement was far from China’s claims that the June 9 incident at Recto Bank (Reed Bank) was just a common case at sea. 

“I think the Filipino vessel was anchored when the incident happened. So when you base it on the international rules of the road, dapat privileged ‘yung naka-anchor kasi hindi siya makaka-evade,” added Empedrad, who was asked to comment on the Chinese government’s statement downplaying the “collision.”

The Philippine government has called for an investigation into the incident, where a Chinese vessel abandoned 22 Filipino fishermen “at the mercy of the elements” after hitting their boat at sea.

But the Chinese Foreign Ministry said it was just an “ordinary maritime incident” and that it should not be politicized. 

Empedrad said the actions of the Chinese vessel were unacceptable and should be condemned. 

“Ang mahalaga sakin, i-condemn natin ‘yung act na instead na tulungan mo ‘yung nangangailangan ng tulong, iniwan mo. Anong klaseng tao ka ‘pag ganun?” he said.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. announced on social media on Thursday that the Philippines had filed a diplomatic protest over the incident.

Generoso Calonge, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office, said the government “routinely protest” such incidents “to register displeasure for the record.”

“I believe the area of concern is within our EEZ (exclusive economic zone) so it’s not disputed territory. It’s the international obligation of every country to assist whenever an incident like that happens. Crew members are obligated to assist seafarers in distress,” he said. (Editor: Katherine G. Adraneda)