MANILA — A Chinese ship pointed lasers against two civilian vessels under the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in the West Philippine Sea.

Videos shared to ABS-CBN News by BFAR showed the laser harassment that happened around 8 p.m. on Dec. 2, Monday last week, which supposedly lasted around five minutes.

No crew members were hurt in the incident but some said the laser light caused eye pain.

BRP Datu Matanam Taradapit and BRP Datu Tamblot were in Hasa-Hasa Shoal to provide fuel and food subsidy to fishermen there and were en route to Pag-asa Island for scientific research.

The BFAR criticized China on the latest incident of maritime aggression.

"These videos show the reality on the ground that Chinese vessels harass, and at times, attack Philippine vessels conducting regular maritime patrols within the Philippine exclusive economic zone—contrary to the statement of the Chinese Embassy in Manila that the Philippine vessels are the ones conducting the dangerous maneuvering against the Chinese vessels," the BFAR said in a statement. 

RELATED: Gov’t still assessing damage to BFAR ship hit by China Coast Guard water cannon – PCG

'A PROVOCATION'

Chester Cabalza, president of Manila-based think tank International Development and Security Cooperation, described the incident as a provocation and a form of intimidation.

Cabalza said the latest laser-pointing incident could "technically" be considered an armed attack.

“Technically, oo. Kasi ginagamitan na nila ng laser. Noong last time na nag-laser attack sila sa atin, alam nila na nagkaroon ng temporary blindness at itchiness sa body ng [Philippine Coast Guard] personnel. I think that was the precedent,” he said, referring to a 2023 incident near Ayungin Shoal.

(Yes, technically. Because they used a laser. The last time that they did a laser attack, PCG personnel had temporary blindness and itchiness. I think that was a precedent)

He said that the incident can be construed as an armed attack, even if China would say that the laser is for navigation or for their protection.

“[K]apag may nasasaktan (If someone gets hurt) and when you do this at sea. It gives us an interpretation that they are consistent with their messaging,” he added.

READ: Finger of PH Navy seaman injured in resupply mission to Ayungin reattached, says AFP chief

The Philippines, he said, might be waiting for the right time to invoke the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty with the US.

“May parating din na bagong administrasyon, yung pagbabalik ni President-elect Trump. Tingnan natin kung babasagin niya yung kanyang boses para mapaigting pa ang MDT. 'Yun ang inaantay natin kung kailan magagamit ito,”  he said. 

(There is a new administration coming in, the return of President-elect Trump. Let's see if he he will speak up about the MDT. That is what we are waiting for to see when the treaty can be invoked)

Cabalza added that China's continued harassment of Philippine ships in the West Philippine Sea, which China considers its own waters, has led to support from other countries.

“Maraming bansa sa buong mundo na nagtitiwala sa Pilipinas, na kinakailangan ipaglaban ang soberanya natin,” he said. 

(Many nations around the world believe in the Philippines and the need for us to assert our sovereignty)

Coast Guard Commodore Jay, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Tarriela has yet to respond to ABS-CBN News request for comment.

RELATED VIDEO