DAVAO CITY — Philippine Coast Guard Commander Admiral Ronnie Gil L Gavan, has directed the immediate conduct of a damage assessment after the 44-meter multi-role response vessel, BRP Bagacay (MRRV-4410), was involved in a water canon incident while enroute to Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on 30 April 2024.
According to the National Task Force for the WPS (NTF-WPS), “China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) vessels harassed, blocked, water cannoned, and rammed” PCG and BFAR vessels while conducting a humanitarian mission to Filipino fishing boats in the said vicinity waters.
PCG Spokesperson, CG Rear Admiral Armando Balilo, confirmed that BRP Bagacay (MRRV-4410) damaged its superstructure, the ship’s main area. He said the Coast Guard Fleet is now evaluating the vessel’s structural integrity to determine needed repairs.
“We are also providing its crew with comprehensive medical check-ups to ensure their well-being. Our personnel know the risks, yet they continue to fulfill their duties as public servants. We want to make sure that the Command provides their needs while in the performance of the PCG’s mandated functions,” CG Rear Admiral Balilo expressed.
In compliance with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the PCG, in support of the NTF-WPS, “will continue to act peacefully and responsibly” in upholding the country’s sovereignty over its exclusive economic zones (EEZ), which include the Bajo de Masinloc.
