MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) encountered a series of alleged aggressive actions by Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) and People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels during a routine maritime patrol early Wednesday morning, in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), an area well within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
The patrol, aimed at supporting Filipino fishermen, took a tense turn at approximately 6:30 a.m. when CCG vessel 3302 fired water cannons at the PCG’s BRP Datu Pagbuaya (MMOV 3003). The assault targeted the vessel’s navigational antennas while it was positioned 16 nautical miles south of Bajo de Masinloc.
Shortly after, CCG 3302 sideswiped the BRP Datu Pagbuaya on its starboard side and launched a second water cannon attack at 6:55 a.m,.
Other Filipino vessels faced additional threats. The PCG’s BRP Teresa Magbanua encountered blocking and dangerous shadowing maneuvers by PLAN vessel 500 and CCG 503, while the BRP Cabra experienced reckless approaches by CCG 3104 at a perilous distance of just 300 yards.
Despite the aggression, PCG and BFAR officials reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the rights and safety of Filipino fishermen operating in the area.
“These actions highlight the persistent challenges we face in defending our sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea, but we will not waver in our responsibility,” the PCG said in a statement.
