China’s use of lasers on PCG triggers discussion on possible PH response

This Week in Media (February 13 to 17, 2023)

AS UNFORTUNATE as it is, harassment by Chinese vessels asserting their claim over Philippine waters is no longer surprising or shocking to Filipinos. The 2016 arbitration ruling that invalidated China’s claims to the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) has almost been forgotten or rendered irrelevant, with former President Rodrigo Duterte even calling it a mere “piece of paper.” Even with the COVID-19 pandemic, media reported incidents of Chinese vessels occupying shoals in the West Philippine Sea or blocking naval missions to replenish supplies of troops stationed in the area.

These incidents are usually reported by the media only upon announcement by the Philippine Navy or the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) days or weeks after the incident. The coverage tends to follow the formula of getting the statements of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and its counterpart in China, as well as that of the Chinese Embassy in Manila. Journalists would note whether the DFA has filed diplomatic protests, reporting as well Chinese officials’ denial that what happened was a deliberate act of harassment. Meanwhile, Philippine forces carry on with their jobs, with no assurance that threats against them would not happen again.

The February 6 incident of a China Coast Guard (CCG) ship’s pointing a military-grade laser on the PCG was reported in the same way. Only made public by the Philippine Coast Guard on February 13, the incident temporarily blinded the crew of BRP Malapascua, which was on a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre stationed on Ayungin Shoal. The PCG supplied the media with videos and photos of the incident, which showed a green light flashing toward the PCG ship. The CCG also reportedly approached the PCG ship at about 150 yards from the starboard side.

Media reported the Philippine government’s response: DFA’s filing of a new diplomatic protest and President Ferdinand Marcos’ summoning Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian to the Palace to discuss the incident. News accounts also picked up the denial of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Wenbin that lasers were directed at the PCG, claiming that the CCG only used the devices “to measure the distance and speed of the Philippine vessel and signal directions to ensure navigation safety.” Wang added that the equipment “does not inflict damage” on either the ship or the crew. But China also accused the Philippines of entering its territory. The DFA stood by the PCG’s account.

Meanwhile, the ambassadors of Japan, Australia, the United Kingdom and Germany were cited in reports expressing concern about the laser incident. TV Patrol also noted calls from some experts to explore multilateral efforts with allies over the contested region.  

MDT reviewed

While coverage reflected the usual kind of exchange between the two countries, newsrooms added more points of discussion, which was not reflected in previously reported incidents of harassment. Picking up on the Philippines’ renewal of ties with the United States and the planned expansion of US military access to local bases, several reports on print, TV and online discussed whether the Mutual Defense Treaty with the US could be invoked. But the sources differed in their views.

Interviewed separately by different news organizations such as the Philippine Daily Inquirer and ANC, former Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio said the laser incident already constitutes an armed attack, but the Philippines should still consult with the US on how to proceed. Former Defense Secretary Orly Mercado shared the same view in a Frontline Tonight report.

The same Inquirer article cited some lawmakers who believe the MDT cannot be invoked yet since the CCG’s attack did not cause any casualties. Sen. Francis Tolentino said the act was “hostile” but cannot be considered “belligerent.” Romel Bagares, international law expert, told ANC that the laser incident was not yet an armed attack, but  is definitely a cause for concern and could be a point of escalated tension between China and the Philippines. Another Inquirer report cited three maritime and security analysts who agreed that Chinese activities should be regularly exposed.

Meanwhile, Frontline Tonight produced two separate explainers, which noted what international laws say about the use of lasers at sea, and scrutinized the kind of lasers China claims to have used and their effects. 

How PH should respond  

Notably, this is not the first time that a laser against Filipino maritime crew was used. Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said in a February 14 Laging Handa briefing that in June 2022, The crew of BRP Habagat was exposed to blue laser light for 20 minutes as they were aiding a resupply mission near Panata Island in the Kalayaan Island group. Tarriela said the crew also experienced temporary blindness. This incident, however, was not reported by the media in 2022 as it was only recounted now by the PCG.

In his report for CNN Philippines’ News Night, David Santos recalled that the Philippines and China did form a Committee on Maritime Cooperation in 2016, but it was useless since the Chinese vessels’ harassment continued anyway. Rico Hizon, anchoring CNN Philippines’ The Final Word, asked whether China really cares about its relationship with the Philippines. His guest Jose Antonio Custodio, military analyst and historian, said the Duterte administration reversed what the Aquino administration did concerning the West Philippine Sea. This encouraged China to consider the Philippines as a weak nation that can be bullied. Custodio said while mutual agreements with allies are helpful, the Philippines would do well to pour resources into its military and quickly publicize incidents of harassment.

Media must keep watch of the Marcos administration’s response to external threats, noting how it would assert sovereign rights and keep the nation secure.