PCG: 11 Chinese ships took part in barricading PH vessels

CNN Philippines

The Philippine Coast Guard insists it won't allow anyone to restrict its movements in the West Philippine Sea. This comes after China once again used a water cannon to drive away a Philippine vessel on a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal.  Our senior correspondent David Santos gets to witness first-hand the challenges government forces have to go through in standing up against China. Take a look.  Visit our website for more #NewsYouCanTrust: https://www.cnnphilippines.com/  Follow our social media pages:  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CNNPhilippines • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cnnphilippines/ • Twitter: https://twitter.com/cnnphilippines

Transcript

00:00 From the bridge of BRP Cabra, one can get a sense of both the scope and danger of Chinese vessels blocking its path.

00:10 A huge challenge for the crew of the Philippine Coast Guard to move past the blockade so it can carry out the supply mission.

00:18 BRP Cabra, however, manages to break away at least three times from the virtual enclosure of Chinese ships.

00:31 The PCG says a flotilla of nearly a dozen Chinese ships actively took part in barricading the Philippine vessels, three from PCG plus the two supply boats.

00:43 Close to 40 Chinese vessels were monitored within the Ayungin or Second Thomas Shoal.

00:49 These include Chinese warships and a hospital ship.

00:53 But all 38 of these didn't actively participate in the blocking operation. There were only 11.

01:01 A US Navy spy plane is also seen circling overhead.

01:06 China Coast Guard Vessel 5203 firing its water cannon on ML Kalayaan.

01:13 While it appears to have missed the supply boat, Manila is still protesting the action, deeming it dangerous and in violation of maritime laws.

01:22 It doesn't really appear good to see a fellow Coast Guard violating the rules they are supposed to follow.

01:31 It's a behavior that does not reflect well what Coast Guard should do.

01:38 The PCG deploying its RIBS or Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boats for the first time reaching the nearest it has been to the rusting BRP Sierra Madre.

01:49 We don't want the Chinese government to still continuously argue that they have the total control of Ayungin Shoal.

01:57 The Philippines describes the mission as successful amid China's persistent threats and the harsh reality that it is being challenged within its own territory.

02:08 Onboard BRP Cabra in the West Philippine Sea, David Santos, CNN Philippines.

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