Chinese militia vessel sideswipes BFAR vessel near Pag-asa Island

Metro Manila, Philippines — A Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel was sideswiped by a Chinese maritime militia (CMM) vessel during a routine maritime patrol near Pag-asa Island on Tuesday, Oct. 15.

BFAR said the sideswipe around 7:45 a.m. involved a CMM vessel with bow 00108, which deliberately collided with the BRP Datu Cabaylo (MMOV 3001) at the starboard bow (front right portion) of the local vessel.

The agency said the CMM engaged in dangerous maneuvers before the collision, attempting to block the path.

“These dangerous maneuvers caused the sideswiping and collision with the BFAR vessel, which sustained minor dents in its starboard bow,” it said.

The BFAR vessel still completed its maritime patrol and is now docked at the Pag-asa Sheltered Port.

Pag-asa (Sandy) Cay 4 is 5.1 nautical miles south southwest of Pag-asa Island, within the island’s 12 nautical mile territorial waters.