By el Amigo
MANILA — The United States, Canada and the European Union on Saturday expressed concern over the China Coast Guard’s (CCG) reported ramming of a Philippine civilian vessel conducting a mission off Palawan.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel BRP Datu Magat Salamat was damaged after the incident Friday near Bombay Shoal, about 54 nautical miles off the coast of Palawan.
Canada condemned what it described as the CCG’s deliberate ramming of the Filipino vessel, warning that such dangerous maneuvers could threaten regional peace and stability.
US Ambassador Lee Lipton also denounced the incident and praised the BFAR crew for maintaining professionalism despite the encounter.
The European Union likewise voiced deep concern, stressing that dangerous maneuvers at sea put lives at risk. EU Ambassador Massimo Santoro called for respect for international maritime law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 arbitral ruling.
The National Maritime Council said the CCG’s actions placed the civilian crew at unnecessary risk while supporting Filipino fisherfolk.
It said the government would continue assisting Filipino fishermen while protecting the country’s lawful maritime rights.
ia/xf
