The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) acknowledged late Tuesday fresh tensions arising in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) after two China Coast Guard (CCG) ships fired water cannons at a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel near Bajo de Masinloc (BdM) or Scarborough Shoal.
According to PCG spokesman for WPS Commodore Jay Tarriela, the attack happened while BFAR was on its way to conduct a routine support mission in aid of Filipino fishermen in the troubled waters within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Tarriela said the incident occurred around 9:14 a.m. when CCG vessel 5201 directed high-pressure water cannons at the BRP Datu Gumbay Piang (MMOV 3014), damaging its bridge windows, cabin partitions, electrical outlets, and five outdoor air-conditioning units.
One BFAR personnel sustained injuries from shattered glass.
At the same time, another Chinese ship (CCG 21562) also attacked the Philippine vessel with water cannons from the port side, while a Chinese maritime militia ship reportedly attempted to carry out similar actions but was evaded through defensive maneuvers.
Despite sustaining damage, the BRP Datu Gumbay Piang was able to retreat to a safer distance and later rejoined nine other BFAR vessels participating in the “Kadiwa para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda” (KBBM) initiative, which distributes fuel and supplies to Filipino fishermen.
The PCG also noted that at around 8:30 a.m., a People’s Liberation Army Navy warship identified as Bow No. 525 broadcast a warning about live-fire exercises in nearby waters. He said the announcement caused panic among local fishermen.
“Despite the hostile actions, the PCG and DA-BFAR remain committed to upholding our maritime jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea and protecting the safety and security of the Filipino fishermen,” Tarriela noted.
In an earlier statement, the PCG official said humanitarian missions in aid of commercial fishing activities of Filipino-manned vessels in Bajo de Masinloc continued despite recurring Chinese harassment.
Tarriela reported that BFAR in coordination with the Department of Agriculture (DA) sustained their KBBM program near the shoal.
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan ordered the deployment of BRP Gabriela Silang and BRP Cabra to deliver fuel subsidies and ice to more than 35 fishing boats in the area.
The MV Mamalakaya also accompanied the mission to purchase fish catches from vessels that had reached storage capacity, enabling fishermen to extend their operations.
PCG also said around 35,000 liters of fuel and 20 tons of assorted fish are expected to be distributed and procured under the program.
“This collaborative effort, endorsed by the PCG, BFAR, and DA, aligns with President Marcos’s directive to ensure the safety and security of Filipino fishermen while facilitating the sale of their catch through a Kadiwa setup,” Tarriela said.
The PCG acknowledged that Chinese harassment will keep going in the maritime flashpoint. International media published reports earlier quoting the CCG, which claimed it allegedly seized Philippine vessels near the shoal. The Philippine Navy, however, refuted this.
According to the PCG, at least nine Chinese vessels were sighted during the “Kadiwa” mission with some allegedly engaging in aggressive maneuvers against Filipino fishermen and Philippine government vessels.
“In light of these challenges, the PCG and BFAR remain committed to prioritizing the safety of Filipino fishermen,” Tarriela said.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated. Originally posted with the headline “PCG, BFAR carry on with Bajo de Masinloc missions.”
