12 militia vessels supported China Coast Guard during water cannon incident — AFP

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 12 militia vessels supported the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) in its water cannon attack on Philippine vessels last Saturday in Ayungin Shoal, said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar on Thursday.

“Base po sa report na nakuha namin mula sa ating units sa ibaba, noong araw po ng Agosto 5, nung magkaroon po ng insidente sa Ayungin Shoal, namataan ng ating mga sundalo, yung mga tripulante, na mayroong 12 maritime militia, na ito ay sumusuporta doon sa anim na barko ng China Coast Guard, at tama po, mayroon din pong presensya ang People’s Liberation Army Navy, na nandun din po sa viciity ng Ayungin Shoal,” said Aguilar during the Laging Handa Public Briefing.

(Based on the report that we got from our units below, on that day, August 5, when there was an incident in Ayungin Shoal, our soldiers and crewmen saw 12 maritime militia that supported the six boats of the China Coast Guard, and correct, there was also the presence of the  People’s Liberation Army Navy in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal.)

Aguilar clarified, however, that they did not participate in the dangerous maneuvers of the CCG.

“Hindi naman lahat na ito ay nag participate o na-involve doon sa pagka-harang, sa water cannon, at saka sa mga dangerous maneuvers na sinigawa,” said Aguilar.

(Not all participated or were involved in the blocking, water cannon attack, and dangerous maneuvers that were done.)

The National Security Council previously noted that the CCG had used one of the world’s strongest water cannons, endangering the lives of the Philippine Coast Guard and AFP personnel onboard the vessels during its resupply run to the BRP Sierra Madre.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had already reiterated the Philippines’ claim to Ayungin Shoal.

“We continue to assert our sovereignty. We continue to assert our territorial rights in the face of all of these challenges, and consistent with the international law, and Unclos (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) especially,” the President said previously.

RELATED STORIES

Bongbong Marcos rescinds deal with China to withdraw BRP Sierra Madre: If it does exist 

Marcos says another note verbale sent to China after water cannon attack

je