The ambassadors of Japan, United States and European Union in the Philippines expressed concern and condemned the recent aggressive harassment of Chinese vessels against Philippine ships that resulted in a collision at Scarborough Shoal on Monday.

"Seriously concerned about the dangerous actions, which caused a collision between the Chinese vessels and undermined the safety of ship and crew. Japan upholds the rule of law and opposes any actions which increase tensions. Our concern goes to the repeated actions in the South China Sea," Ambassador of Japan in the Philippines Endo Kazuya posted in his X (Twitter) account following the incident.

Expressing deep concern on the incident, European Union Ambassador to the Philippines Massimo Santoro said "the EU reiterates its call for a peaceful settlement of disputes, in compliance with the rules-based international order and international law, including UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral award."

On the other hand, US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson condemned the "reckless action" of Chinese vessels while recognizing the professionalism of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

"We condemn this latest reckless action by China directed against the vessel BRP Suluan and commend PCG for their professionalism and their offer to render assistance," she said.

In a ceremony on Tuesday, PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan spearheaded the awarding ceremony for BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406) at Pier 15, Port Area, Manila.

During the ceremony, Gavan commended the bravery, selfless dedication, and sacrifices of PCG personnel in upholding safety and security within the Philippine territory.

He also recognized the efforts of the West Philippines Sea Group in handling the information operation and coordination during the maritime patrol.

"You have proven that indeed we are the most durable point man in keeping the peace at sea," Gavan said

"Bravo Zulu everyone. There are lots of things to do, but always keep in mind that what you've done, you should always remain calm, you should always remain professional yet unyielding in the face of whoever they are," he ended

Onboard the vessel were 43 individuals, including members of the Coast Guard Medical Service (CGMED), Maritime Surveillance Team (MST2), Coast Guard Special Operations Force (CGSOF), Angels of the Sea from the Coast Guard Weapons, Communications, Electronics and Information System Command (CGWCEISC), media representatives from GMA Network, and personnel from the Coast Guard Public Affairs Service (CGPAS).

BRP Suluan together with BRP Teresa Magbanua were deployed to distribute relief assistance to the Filipino fishermen in Scarborough Shoal when BRP Suluan was harassed and chased by a Chinese Coast Guard and a People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels which resulted to the collision of the two Chinese ships.

Despite their aggressive actions against the Philippine vessels, the PCG immediately offered medical and humanitarian assistance to the crew of the Chinese ships. Robina Asido/DMS