TWO Chinese vessels remained at the Ayungin Shoal following an incident where it blocked and water cannoned Philippine vessels engaged in a resupply mission, a military official said on Sunday, November 21, 2021.
"Ang kagandahan lang, namataan namin 'yung Chinese militia vessels du'n (Ayungin Shoal) nag-alisan na ng hatinggabi. Ang Chinese Coast Guard ay naging dalawa na lang," Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command commander Vice Admiral Roberto Enriquez said in a radio interview.
"So pakiramdam ko may ibang mensahe na nakarating sa bansang China kaya nag-pull out na 'yung ibang sasakyang pandagat doon," he added.
On Thursday, November 18, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said a Filipino vessel had to abort its mission to transport repair kits and food supplies to military personnel at the BRP Sierra Madre stationed at the Ayungin Shoal after it was waylaid and water cannoned by three Chinese vessels while on its way.
No one was hurt in the incident but it incurred damage to the Philippine vessel.
National Security Adviser and National Task Force chairman Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said 19 Chinese vessels were spotted in the area a week before the said incident.
The government condemned the incident, maintaining that the area was part of Philippine territory.
It assured that the resupply mission for the troops securing the country’s territorial waters will continue. (SunStar Philippines)