Magsusumite ng isang rekomendasyon ang Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) sa National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF WPS) matapos ang panibagong pag-atake ng Chinese vessels gamit ang water cannons sa Philippine vessels sa Scarborough Shoal.
“With this level of PSI that they used now after this incident, we’re going to make recommendation. Formally, submit the report to the NTF. And then perhaps, there will be changes or there will be none,” saad ni WPS Commodore Jay Tarriela.
Sinabi ng Tarriela, na ang China Coast Guard (CCG) ay gumamit ng humigit-kumulang 200 pounds per square inch (PSI) ng water pressure na nagdulot ng pinsala sa metal railings sa barko ng Pilipinas.
“But again on our part, we can just make [a] recommendation. It is still subject to the approval of the commander-in-chief,” dagdag pa ni Tarriela.
Samantala, ipinagutos ni PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan ang agarang pagsasagawa ng damage assessment sa 44-meter multi-role response vessel BRP Bagacay matapos itong bombahin ng water cannon ng China vessels.
Lumitaw sa inisyal na imbestigasyon na nagtamo ng pinsala ang superstructure ng BRP Bagacay na tinatayang nagkakahalaga ng P3 milyon.
“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,” ayon kay PCG spokesman Rear Admiral Balilo expressed.