China Coast Guard (CCG) and People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ships blocked two Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels— BRP Cape Engaño and BRP Cabra— on a rotation and resupply (RORE) mission to the BRP Teresa Magbanua in Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Monday (August 26).

The two Philippine vessels sailed from Buliluyan Port in Palawan past 4 a.m. to bring food provisions and essential supplies for more or less 60 PCG personnel at BRP Magbanua stationed at Sabina Shoal.

After almost five hours of sailing, two ships of the People’s Liberation Army Navy of China started tailing the BRP Cape Engaño, which had the ABS-CBN News team onboard.

Past 11 a.m., the two Philippine vessels were already surrounded by five China Coast Guard vessels. One of them had the bow number 3104—the ship that collided with the BRP Cape Engaño last August 19.

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Captain Dennis Labay, PCG Palawan district commander, who is also aboard the mission, radioed the Chinese vessels saying the Philippine vessels have no other intentions in Sabina Shoal but to deliver food and supplies to BRP Magbanua.

The PCG official, however, did not disclose further information about the negotiation between the Philippine and Chinese vessels.

Past 4 p.m. on the same day, the two Philippine vessels aborted the mission and sailed back to Buliluyan Port in Bataraza, Palawan, not being able to penetrate Sabina Shoal.

At around 10 p.m., the BRP Cape Engaño and BRP Cabra successfully docked at Buliluyan Port.

In an official statement, the PCG said there were six Chinese Coast Guard vessels and three People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warships that attempted to obstruct their lawful humanitarian operation.

There were also 31 Chinese maritime militia vessels in the vicinity waters of Escoda Shoal, the PCG added.

The PCG said it remains steadfast in their commitment to uphold national interests and ensure the safety and security of the Philippine waters.

It also urged the China Coast Guard to abide by international law and stop deploying maritime forces that could undermine mutual respect, a universally recognized foundation for responsible and friendly relations among Coast Guards.

The PCG said it recognizes that white hulls are unique instruments of diplomacy that promote peace and maintain harmony and stability in the region.