The Philippine Coast Guard on Wednesday released footage of its personnel warning Chinese vessels lingering at the Sabina Shoal located within Manila's exclusive economic zone.
The PCG said the footage was taken on April 27 at around 9 a.m. after seven Chinese militia vessels were spotted anchored near the shoal--part of the Kalayaan Group of Islands (Spratlys) off Palawan.
A female PCG crew member can be heard in the video, saying: "This is Philippine Coast Guard. We are BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409). You are within Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone. You are requested to provide the following: name of vessel, intention, last and next port of call on Channel 16."
The PCG said the radio communication was meant to inform the Chinese vessels that Sabina Shoal is part of the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.
The Chinese ships, according to the PCG, gave no response, prompting Philippine authorities to approach it. The foreign vessels left when approached, it added.
"Sinundan ng PCG at BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resource) ang paglalayag ng mga barko para masigurong tuluyang aalis ang mga CMMV (Chinese Maritime Militia Vessels) sa Sabina Shoal," the Coast Guard said.
MORE ON THE WEST PHILIPPINE SEA:
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Tensions between the Philippines and China have festered in recent weeks as Beijing refuses to heed Manila's call for it to pull out its ships from the West Philippine Sea.
Foreign Affairs Sec. Teodoro Locsin Jr., threw expletives at China telling it to "get the f*ck out" of Philippine waters. He later apologized to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
While the Philippines has filed a series of diplomatic protests, President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday night said "there is no reason for trouble" if Filipino fishermen would just be allowed to fish in the country's own waters.
"Kindly just allow our fishermen to fish in peace and there is no reason for trouble. If there is one brewing, call our attention so we can talk immediately," Duterte told China.
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Why Get the F*ck Out is Not Enough for China to Leave West Philippine Sea
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