00:00 The mission of the experts from the University of the Philippines was successful in finding out the situation of the ocean in Eskola Shoal.
00:08 But the survey there was difficult because of the harassment of Chinese ships.
00:16 The details in the words of Ron Lagusan.
00:22 Early in the morning of June 3, the group of experts from the University of the Philippines sailed from the Buliluyan port in Batarasa, Palawan.
00:31 They were far from reaching Eskola Shoal so that the personnel could examine the coral in the area.
00:36 They were accompanied by the people of the Philippine Coast Guard in their mission, including some members of the media.
00:41 We were first on board of the BRP Cabra, but we were later transferred to a larger ship of the PCG, the BRP Teresa Magbanwa, which has long been guarding Eskola Shoal.
00:51 But before the group's planned survey started, when we arrived at Eskola Shoal, the Chinese ships were again on the scene.
01:00 The next day, on Tuesday morning, June 4, the experts from UP started preparing.
01:05 We were also prepared. We wore life vests and other protective gear for the activity.
01:10 The people of the PCG accompanied us in a Rigidul Implatable Boat or RIB.
01:15 Not long after, the China Coast Guard lowered their RIB to follow our group.
01:20 This is where our patenteering in the PCG started.
01:23 For the scientists to make their goal of examining and examining the coral, the same RIB that the news team used to block the PCG.
01:33 Several times, the other side of the message also changed.
01:37 China Coast Guard, this is Philippine Coast Guard. You are within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone. We are conducting marine scientific research activity. Please keep clear of us.
01:46 This is China Sea, China Sea.
01:49 You are within Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone.
01:52 This continued even though the PCG was telling the CCG that the group from UP is currently under water.
01:59 China Coast Guard, this is Philippine Coast Guard. We are conducting marine scientific research activity. Please keep clear of us for safety. We have divers down. We have divers down.
02:08 Even though the situation was like this, the PCG and UP members did not give up and continued with their mission.
02:14 We are here at the part of the Exclusive Economic Zone where the marine science research is being conducted by some personnel of the University of the Philippines.
02:23 Along with us, there are also some personnel of China Coast Guard.
02:27 Earlier, they reached the Delawana and they were interfering so that their activity would not be continued.
02:33 They are still following the rain that crashed the crushed corals here in the territory of the Philippines.
02:40 There are also some cases where the CCG did not stop the PCG from being destroyed like this.
02:47 This continued with the activity of the research conducted by the experts.
02:55 China's aggressiveness was so great that they were confusing what they are doing.
02:59 Here in this sun bar, the group moved to continue their survey.
03:04 After this, while returning to BRP Teresa Magbanua, it seems that China showed its strength.
03:10 Like the helicopter of the People's Liberation Army Navy that passed above our group several times.
03:16 According to the PCG, they saw two helicopters in total.
03:20 Aside from this, two Chinese hovercrafts were also seen.
03:23 According to the PCG, this is the first time that they saw a hovercraft in the West Philippine Sea.
03:29 According to China, this is part of their amphibious drill.
03:32 For me, this is just an action for China to intimidate our marine scientists
03:38 so that they would stop their survey here in the Scottish Oak.
03:42 They do not have the proper authority to conduct such amphibious operation within our own exclusive economic zone
03:49 that they are not allowing to the Department of Foreign Affairs.
03:52 After this, this was followed by several times of the PCG's whistle.
03:59 On the second day of the activity of the scientists, this PCG vessel was already moving early.
04:05 But they are more alert now.
04:07 Along with them, a speedboat was used that followed the group that headed to the other side of the Scottish Oak.
04:13 Until the return of the UP, they did not notice it.
04:16 Even though they are in BRP Teresa Magbanua, the speedboat never approached my board.
04:22 Despite the Chinese invasion of our territory, the country did not stop its surveillance.
04:29 The Philippines' right to defend itself was continued to be fought.
04:33 From here in the West Philippine Sea, Rod Laguzad for Pambansang TV in Bagong, Philippines.
04:39 Philippines
