The Philippine Coast Guard aims to finish its investigation into the most recent collision between Philippine and Chinese vessels off the Ayungin Shoal in less than one week, Rear Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said on Monday.
Gavan announced the “self-imposed” deadline in a Palace briefing after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. instructed the PCG to investigate the incident where the Chinese vessels collided with Philippine boats en route to deliver supplies to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal last Sunday.
The Presidential Communications Office reported that Marcos gave the orders during a Monday morning Command Conference with defense and security officials.
“The incident, brought about by dangerous, illegal, and reckless maneuvers by vessels of the China Coast Guard, caused damage to a Philippine vessel within our exclusive economic zone and is being taken seriously at the highest level of government,” the PCO said in a Facebook post.
Gavan said the PCG will focus on conducting the marine incident investigation and that they will finish it in five days.
“As we speak, I have already issued the directive to our Commander, the Coast Guard District Palawan, to conduct a maritime incident investigation immediately,” Gavan said.
He added that they will be submitting the report investigation through the Department of Transportation to Marcos for final disposition.
Gavan also mentioned they will focus on determining the extent of damage done to or incurred by the vessels involved.
“But at this point, it is very, very clear that the two incidents are violations of Collision Regulations – the very regulation, we coast guards, are expected to enforce. So we find it unfortunate or ironic that the fellow coast guard will violate the law where they themselves are supposed to enforce,” Gavan said.
The wooden AFP-contracted supply boat Unaiza May 2 collided with a larger China Coast Guard vessel while on its way to Ayungin Shoal, where the BRP Sierra Madre remains aground. After Unaiza May 2, the PCG’s BRP Cabra collided with a Chinese maritime militia ship impeding its journey with the Unaiza.
Beijing claimed the Philippines caused the crashes, but Manila denied it.
The PCG showed media images of the Unaiza May 2’s movement at a press conference by the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea to prove that the smaller resupply boat was on its way to Ayungin and that the China Coast Guard ship to its right turned to its left, causing the collision just past 6 am.
The Unaiza May 2 could not approach the BRP Sierra Madre due to the Chinese ships’ harassment, according to the AFP, which concluded that the boat should not continue its mission.
In a separate press conference, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela underscored that the Philippines “[does not] respond to lies, we only comment on facts.”
“Our narratives are always backed with compelling images and unedited videos. Additionally, we always adhere to international laws, as we believe in upholding ethical standards in all our actions,” he later added in a post on X, formerly Twitter.