MANILA – Damage to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel that was hit by China’s water cannon could reach an estimated P2 to P3 million, with the Philippine government expected to shoulder the repairs, a PCG official said on Thursday. 

Speaking to the media during BRP Bagacay’s arrival at Cunanan Wharf, Commodore Arnaldo Lim, the acting commander of PCG Manila at Central Luzon Districts, said the LED panel took a direct hit during the incident and was completely damaged.

The canopy and the railings on the ship’s bridge were also destroyed. Some navigational equipment, like a satellite compass, have also been damaged. 

“Hindi 'yan nagagalaw. Sa sobrang tigas ng bakal na ito kasi ginagawa natin ito – kapag… battle, kapag umaakyat ang mga US Armed Forces, especially US Coast Guard, hindi 'yan nagagalaw,” Lim said. 

(The railings cannot be moved and these are very sturdy. These are also used for practice combats by the US Armed Forces and the US Coast Guard so it was constructed to be sturdy.) 

“Ngayon sa sobrang lakas ng tubig, nabuwal at nasira ang LED screen display natin. Ito ang nagwe-welcome at nagbibigay ng babala ‘hindi puwede mangisda dito,’ ito yung LED screen na puwede mag-broadcast 'yung mga gusto nating sabihin,” he added. 

(Because of the impact, the LED screen display was destroyed. This shows the messages we want to broadcast such as ‘you cannot fish in this area.’) 

Repairs will start as soon as possible by the Coast Guard Commander Fleet, he said. 

Asked if China will shoulder the cost for the repairs, the PCG official said, “I don’t think ‘yung kabilang kapitbahay natin ang magbabayad nito. The government will.” 

(I don’t think our neighbor will pay for this.) 

At least 2 China Coast Guard vessels on Tuesday fired water cannons on both sides of the BRP Bagacay, which was on its way to Panatag Shoal or Scarborough Shoal to assist the BFAR ship for its humanitarian mission. 

PCG won't retaliate against China's water cannon use

The PCG said the BFAR ship was also rammed by some Chinese vessels and were also harassed with water cannons. 

No crew or passengers from either Philippine vessels were hurt from the latest incident of maritime aggression by China. 

Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III said the Philippines "should be able to water cannon too those who we believe are violating our laws and sovereign rights up to our EEZ."

"Do our PCG vessels have their own water cannons? Dapat meron din," he said in a text message to media.

"Standard equipment dapat yan sa coast guard sea vessels because that’s how coast guards drive away intruders and those violating laws."

(Do our PCG vessels have their own water cannons? They should have one, too. That should be standard equipment in the coast guard because that's how they drive away intruders and those violating laws.)