Senator Risa Hontiveros on Sunday urged the government to provide regular Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) escorts and ensure adequate funding to protect Filipino fishers operating in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
This developed following reports that Chinese vessels fired water cannons at Filipino boats, leaving some local fisherfolk injured.
Hontiveros said the incident highlighted the urgent need to strengthen maritime protection, warning that repeated acts of aggression continue to endanger Filipino lives within the country’s exclusive economic zone.
“I strongly denounce China’s relentless aggression against our fisherfolk. Our fishermen are already struggling to earn a living in our own seas, and yet they are also harmed?” she said in a statement.
Meanwhile, United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson condemned China’s use of water cannons that injured three Filipino fishermen near Escoda (Sabina) Shoal off Palawan on Friday, December 12.
In an X post on Sunday, December 14, Carlson described the attacks as “aggressive tactics,” emphasizing that they threatened the lives and livelihoods of Filipino fishermen.
“China Coast Guard’s aggressive tactics—water cannoning and cutting anchor lines—against Filipino fishers at Sabina Shoal threaten lives and livelihoods,” the post read.
She also commended the Philippine Coast Guard for assisting the affected fishermen and upholding the country’s sovereign rights.
“We strongly condemn these illegal actions and applaud @coastguardph for aiding fishers and defending Philippine sovereign rights,” the post added.
The senator said the Philippines should fast-track defense and security cooperation with like-minded countries and ensure sustained funding for a stronger Coast Guard presence in key fishing areas.
“Our fisherfolk must not be left defenseless. More Coast Guard personnel and vessels should accompany them in the West Philippine Sea. There should be a clear budget and sufficient support for these initiatives,” she added.
Hontiveros also recalled earlier incidents involving injured Navy and Coast Guard personnel, warning that the country “cannot afford to be unprepared” as China’s actions continue to endanger Filipino lives.
The PCG earlier reported that three Filipino fishermen were injured after Chinese vessels fired high-pressure water cannons and conducted dangerous maneuvers against fishing boats near Escoda (Sabina) Shoal.
PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela said the incident occurred Friday while around 20 Filipino fishing boats were operating off Palawan within the country’s 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone.
Tarriela said the fishermen suffered bruises and open wounds, two fishing boats were damaged, and anchor lines of several vessels were cut, placing them at risk amid rough seas.
PCG vessels dispatched to assist the fishermen were also subjected to blocking maneuvers but managed to provide medical aid and supplies, as the agency urged China to respect international law and prioritize civilian safety at sea.
