THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) reported a series of hostile encounters with Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) and People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels during a routine maritime patrol near Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) on Tuesday. The patrol aimed to support Filipino fishermen operating in the area.
According to PCG Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesman of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for the West Philippine Sea, the incidents occurred early in the morning and involved multiple Chinese vessels, including CCG ships 5303, 3302, 3104, and 3304, as well as PLAN vessels with bow numbers 500 and 571.
“At approximately 6:30 AM, CCG 3302 fired a water cannon at the BRP Datu Pagbuaya (MMOV 3003), directly targeting its navigational antennas while the Philippine vessel was 16 nautical miles south of Bajo de Masinloc. The same vessel later sideswiped the BRP Datu Pagbuaya on its starboard side. A second water cannon attack was launched by CCG 3302 at 6:55 AM, escalating tensions further” Tarriela said.
Tarriela further disclosed the other incidents included aggressive maneuvers by Chinese vessels. The BRP Teresa Magbanua faced blocking and shadowing by PLAN vessel 500 and CCG 503. Meanwhile, the BRP Cabra encountered dangerous close-quarter maneuvers from CCG 3104, coming within 300 yards of the Philippine vessel.
The PCG condemned these actions, describing them as reckless and hostile. Despite the aggressive tactics, the agency reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Filipino fishermen and maintaining the country’s maritime rights in the West Philippine Sea.
“The PCG and BFAR will remain vigilant in safeguarding our national interests and ensuring the safety of our fishermen in our maritime jurisdiction,” the statement read.
The Philippine government has consistently protested Chinese incursions and aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea, citing violations of international law and the 2016 arbitral ruling that recognized the Philippines’ maritime rights in the area.