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Chinese vessels again...
economic zone, where the Navy maintains its presence through the decrepit BRP Sierra Madre.
China, however, claims almost all of the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea.
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The CCG 4203 “deliberately” cut off BRP Malabrigo at one point, forcing it to slow down to avoid a collision. The Chinese ship came within “less than 100 yards” of the PCG vessel while radio challenges were exchanged, Tarriela said.
2 Chinese warships
“In their attempts to hinder passage and discourage our PCG vessels from approaching Ayungin Shoal, the China Coast Guard vessels have flagrantly disregarded the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea,” he added.
Six Chinese militia vessels were also spotted at the northeast entrance of the shoal as if to serve as a barricade to prevent the PCG ships from entering, Tarriela said. In addition, two People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) vessels were monitored in the vicinity of the shoal during the mission.
“The PCG is alarmed about the presence of two PLA-N vessels in Ayungin Shoal. It is particularly alarming because the Philippine Navy’s naval operation is solely intended for humanitarian purposes. Despite this, the Chinese are deploying their warships, which raises even greater concerns,” he said. Moments later, another Chinese coast guard vessel with bow number 3103, which traveled from in the area and challenged the PCG ships on the radio, in an apparent attempt to act as a reinforcement, Tarriela said. n
PH inflation further...
BSP’s forecast range of 5.3 percent to 6.1 percent.
National Statistician Dennis Mapa said the downward pull on headline inflation was mainly from slower increases in prices of meat, fruits and sweets; gasoline, diesel and road transport fare, as well as electricity and home rent.
The latest readout — for June and for the semester — is still above the BSP’s goal of shepherding inflation to 3 percent or a range of 2 percent to 4 percent, but the regulator expects the monthly print to ease into the target band by the fourth quarter this year. n
