Chinese militia vessel damages coral reefs near Pag-asa Island

A Chinese maritime militia vessel, identified by bow number 16868, caused significant coral reef damage near Pag-asa Island on June 7.

The vessel ran aground for nearly three hours approximately 2.6 nautical miles from the island.

A parachute anchor, believed to have been used by the Chinese vessel, was found at the site and caused harm to protected coral zones.

Marine scientists reported that the damage was caused by the dragging of the sea anchor and/or anchor line.

The incident occurred within a protected zone under Republic Act 7611.

The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) expressed concern and seeks accountability for the environmental damage.

NTF-WPS reiterated its support for the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development's (PCSD) recommendations on reef rehabilitation and emphasized the need to enforce environmental accountability under Philippine law.

The vessel was later seen leaving the area under escort by the China Coast Guard (CCG) and two other Chinese vessels.