The Philippine Coast Guard said Tuesday it was now capable of engaging in a “water war” in the West Philippine Sea, after the Chinese Coast Guard blocked and fired water cannons at Philippine supply ships last month.
The term “water war,” to be analytically useful, refers to conflicts over rights of economic exploitation of water, whether through the support of fishing fleets or the pursuit of undersea resources or access to freshwater for drinking, industrial, and agricultural purposes.
During a hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Services, PCG Deputy Commandant for Administration Vice Admiral Oscar Endona Jr. said they would use “white to white diplomacy.”
“Actually, our white ships also have a water cannon so we can retaliate with water cannon,” he said.
He made the statement after Senator Richard Gordon said China’s water cannon attack “looks like a rehearsal.”
Earlier, Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said two Philippine supply boats on a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal were water cannoned by Chinese Coast Guard vessels on November 16.
The Coast Guard statement coincided with a courtesy call by Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa on Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Leopoldo Laroya at the National Headquarters, Port Area, Manila.
This is the Ambassador’s first visit to the Philippine Coast Guard since his arrival in 2020.
During the courtesy call, Koshikawa boarded the patrol vessel BRP Malabrigo (44mMRRV 4402) for a presentation of equipment and a demonstration of its capabilities, the Japanese Embassy said in a statement.
Through Japanese Overseas Development Assistance, the BRP Malabrigo was provided to the PCG, equipped with the latest tools and technology needed.
This was showcased during Koshikawa’s visit as the ship was skillfully maneuvered. Also aboard were 12 journalists from different media outfits.
Prior to his visit, Koshikawa also joined the virtual send-off of two 97m class MRRVs (Multi-Role Response Vessels) last July and November 2021.
Poised to be the PCG’s biggest and flagship vessels, these are expected to arrive at Manila port in March and May 2022.
The vessels are poised to play an important part in the PCG’s mission to maintain the peace and stability in the Philippine Seas, the statement said.
