China's blockade of Ayungin Shoal resupply 'objectionable' — Palace

MANILA, Philippines — China's actions near Ayungin or Second Thomas Shoal in the West Philippine Sea should be subject to objection, Malacañang said Monday.

Last week, the Department of National Defense submitted a report to the House of Representatives, showing that a Chinese Coast Guard ship blocked Filipino vessels on a resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre grounded on Ayungin Shoal.

"Syempre objectionable 'yun... Nagdadala lang pala ng pagkain bakit naman ibla-block," Panelo said in a press briefing.

Sought for further comment on the issue, Panelo said he would leave it up to Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. as it is under his jurisdiction.

The Malacañang spokesman said the incident might be a subject of protest by the DFA but the agency has not yet made any comment on the incident.

According to the DND report, a Chinese Coast Guard ship came as close as 1,600 yards to three Philippine civilian vessels conducting a resupply mission to personnel of BRP Sierra Madre in May.

This was not the only incident that the DND reported to the House.

On February 3, Chinese Coast Guard 3401 came as close as 867 yards from Ayungin Shoal. This same ship was also seen in the area on January 31 about 2,973 yards away from the shoal.

The DND also reported that a different China Coast Guard ship with bow number 3469 was located 1,024 yards from the breakwater of the shoal on January 7. Another China Coast Guard ship with bow number 3368 was also seen 1,253 yards away from the area.

"Notably, China regularly deploys at least one CCG vessel perceived to be monitoring the activities thereat, including the arrival of Filipino fishing boats as well as the Rotation and Reprovision mission of the [Philippine Navy]," the report read. — Patricia Lourdes Viray

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China Coast Guard blocked resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal — DND