According to information published by Manila Bulletin on February 13, 2023, a China Coast Guard ship (CCG) directed a military-grade laser light at the Philippine Parola class patrol vessel BRP Malapascual in Ayungin Shoal, West Philippine Sea, causing temporary blindness to a Filipino coast guardian.
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Chinese Coast Guard ship. (Picture source: Philippine Coast Guard)
Second Thomas Shoal is claimed by the Philippines and China. The Philippines claims that the shoal is part of its continental shelf, while parts of the Spratly group of islands, where Second Thomas Shoal lies, are claimed by China, Brunei, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
About the Parola class
The Parola-class patrol vessel is a type of patrol boat designed for coast guard or maritime law enforcement duties. It has a displacement of 321 metric tons, a length of 44.5 meters, and a beam of 7.5 meters.
The boat is powered by two MTU 12V4000M93L 12-cylinder diesel engines, which provide a total output of 2,580 kilowatts (3,460 horsepower). It has a cruising speed of 15 knots and a maximum speed of 25 knots, with a range of 1,500 nautical miles.
The boat can carry a single RHIB, and its crew complement is 25 personnel, consisting of 5 officers and 20 enlisted. The boat is equipped with Furuno FAR series X & S-band navigation radars and is armed with two .50 caliber M2 Browning machine guns and, in some ships, a 12.7mm Elbit Systems WAVE 350 RCWS and a LRAD 450XL long range acoustic device.
