The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed that China used a Long-Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) for the first time to harass a Philippine vessel in the West Philippine Sea.
According to the PCG, China typically employs water cannons and dangerous maneuvers to intimidate Philippine vessels, but the use of LRAD marks an escalation.
In a statement, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela revealed that the China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel with hull number 3103 used the LRAD against the BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) to block its approach.
Tarriela explained that an LRAD is a specialized loudspeaker capable of emitting high-intensity sound waves that can cause eardrum damage and even permanent hearing loss.
The CCG-3103 reportedly replaced the CCG-3304 to illegally patrol an area within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Despite the harassment, the BRP Cabra stood its ground and continued its efforts to prevent any encroachment along the coastline of Zambales.
The PCG also maintained its radio challenges to the CCG, asserting that their presence violated the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).