The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) strongly condemned fresh aggressive maneuvers by the China Coast Guard (CCG) on Friday, July 24, after multiple Philippine government craft were blasted with water cannons during a mission to assist local fishermen near Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea.
The mission was conducted as part of the Kadiwa ng Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda (KBBM) initiative—a joint program by the PCG and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to supply fuel, food, and safety support to Filipino fishermen in their traditional fishing waters.
PCG reports state the initial harassment occurred around 6:26 a.m., when CCG vessel 3107 targeted BRP Cape San Agustin with a water cannon from roughly 400 meters away while the ship patrolled about 15 nautical miles northeast of the shoal. Prior to the blast, the Philippine vessel was shadowed by six CCG craft and several Chinese maritime militia boats.
A subsequent encounter occurred at roughly 7:35 a.m. involving CCG vessel 21581, which fired a water cannon at BFAR’s BRP Datu Paduhinog approximately 12 nautical miles northeast of Bajo de Masinloc.
The Chinese vessel closed in to within seven meters of the Philippine ship’s port bow, creating a serious collision hazard, while deliberately turning off its Automatic Identification System (AIS).
“The CCG vessel had deliberately switched off its Automatic Identification System, concealing its identity in violation of international regulations on safety of navigation,” the PCG said.
BRP Datu Paduhinog was struck directly by another water cannon blast at 7:53 a.m., followed by two more direct hits around 8:00 a.m. Shortly after, operating 10 nautical miles off the shoal, the BFAR vessel suffered a temporary loss of satellite internet connectivity, which was restored by 8:36 a.m.
At approximately 8:09 a.m., Chinese maritime militia vessel 00318 trailed a 100-meter rope behind BRP Datu Sumakwel, creating a navigation hazard. Later, at around 8:55 a.m., CCG vessel 3303 deployed a water cannon against BRP Datu Cabaylo from a distance of about 300 meters behind the ship.
These incidents follow similar water cannon attacks reported on July 23 during the launch of the KBBM mission.
“The PCG strongly condemns the dangerous and unprofessional actions of the China Coast Guard,” PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Adm. Jay Tarriela said.
Despite the intense confrontations, no personnel sustained injuries, and the Philippine fleet maintained its presence.
“Despite these illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive actions, all PCG and DA-BFAR personnel are safe, and the vessels sustained their presence in the area in continued support of Filipino fisherfolk exercising their legitimate rights in their traditional fishing ground,” Tarriela said.
As of 9:30 a.m., the Philippines deployed three PCG and seven BFAR vessels near Bajo de Masinloc, facing 12 CCG ships and three Chinese maritime militia vessels. This standoff comes less than a week after two Philippine Navy sailors sustained injuries during an encounter near BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal.
The PCG reiterated that Bajo de Masinloc falls squarely within Philippine sovereign territory and exclusive economic zone, citing the 2016 Arbitral Award upholding local fishing rights.
“The 2016 Arbitral Award has affirmed that Bajo de Masinloc is a traditional fishing ground of Filipino fisherfolk, whose rights cannot be lawfully impeded by any foreign power,” Tarriela said.
“The PCG, under the leadership of Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan and in coordination with the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea, remains steadfast in adhering to the guidance of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that is to protect Filipino fisherfolk, uphold the rule of law, and defend the country’s sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea without escalating tensions and in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),” Tarriela underscored.