The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) strongly condemned the recent hostile actions of a Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel after it executed dangerous maneuvers that led to a minor collision with and visible damage to the BRP Datu Magat Salamat, a civilian ship operated by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
The diplomatic agency stated that the Chinese crew had no legal ground to target the Philippine civilian law enforcement ship during its deployment.
“There is no justification for the CCG vessel to undertake aggressive actions against a Philippine civilian law enforcement vessel, and cause damage to the ship and endanger the safety of the civilian crew,” it said in a statement.
At the time of the encounter, the BRP Datu Magat Salamat was carrying out routine humanitarian support missions aimed at assisting Filipino fishermen operating within the West Philippine Sea.
The DFA emphasized that Beijing’s hostile conduct directly contradicts its legal responsibilities on the international stage.
“The CCG vessel’s illegal, coercive, aggressive and dangerous acts are inconsistent with China’s obligations under international law,” it said, citing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the 2016 Arbitral Award, the 1972 International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), and the 1974 Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS).
In its statement, the Philippine government urged Chinese authorities to honor Manila’s sovereign prerogatives inside its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and to refrain from provocations that risk worsening regional security.
“The Philippines calls on China to respect Philippine sovereign rights within its exclusive economic zone in accordance with UNCLOS as affirmed by the 2016 Arbitral Award, exercise restraint and avoid actions that could further escalate tensions in the region,” it said.
The maritime incident occurred approximately 54 nautical miles off the coast of Palawan, placing the location well inside the Philippine EEZ. The impact caused noticeable structural damage to the BFAR vessel.
The incident follows an occurrence the preceding day, Thursday, September 17, when the BRP Datu Magat Salamat temporarily ran aground at Hasa-Hasa Shoal while attempting to approach local fishing fleets to deliver essential fuel supplies.