Chinese ‘militia boats’ tail Philippine Navy vessel
MANILA, Philippines (Updated 5:10 p.m.) — Two Chinese coast guard ships and two maritime militia boats disguised as fishing vessels menacingly tailed the Philippine Navy’s BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17) recently near Panganiban (Mischief) Reef, which is within the country’s 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone, the Philippine Coast Guard confirmed yesterday.
In a statement, the PCG said “the Chinese Maritime Militia ‘fishing vessels/boats’ even conducted an intercept course towards the Philippine Navy warship.” No other details were given.
The coast guard said the Andres Bonifacio was conducting a patrol and search mission when the incident happened. But it clarified that “the Chinese Coast Guard vessels and the Chinese Maritime Militia ‘fishing vessels/boats’ (did not) interfere (in) the operation and mission of BRP Andres Bonifacio.”
In a Viber message, the PCG promised to provide more information soon.
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Editor's note: This article has been updated at the request of The STAR
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