A CONCERNING incident unfolded in the West Philippine Sea on Monday morning, as a Chinese vessel deployed a water cannon against a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship during a mission to support Filipino fishermen in Bajo de Masinloc.
The PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela, detailed the aggressive actions of the Chinese vessels, stating that Philippine vessels encountered “hazardous maneuvers and blocking actions.”
The BRP Suluan, specifically, was targeted with a water cannon, though skillful maneuvering by the PCG crew prevented a direct hit. This incident highlights the escalating tensions in the region and China’s continued disregard for Philippine sovereignty.
Beyond the water cannon attack, Commodore Tarriela reported a collision between a Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel (3104) and a People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) ship (164). The CCG vessel, pursuing the BRP Suluan at high speed, executed a dangerous maneuver, resulting in a collision with the PLA Navy ship.
The impact caused significant damage to the CCG vessel’s forecastle, rendering it unseaworthy. Despite the severity of the situation, the PCG immediately offered assistance to the Chinese crew, including help with any potential man-overboard situations and medical aid for injuries. However, this offer was reportedly refused by the Chinese side.
The PCG mission, known as “Kadiwa Para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda (KBBM),” involved the deployment of the BRP Teresa Magbanua, BRP Suluan, and MV Pamamalakaya to assist approximately 35 Filipino fishing vessels in Bajo de Masinloc.
The PCG successfully escorted the Filipino fishermen to safety, providing them with essential fuel and supplies. No injuries or damage were reported on the Philippine side. While the PCG has yet to receive a statement from the Chinese Embassy regarding this incident, the aggressive actions taken by Chinese vessels underscore the need for continued vigilance and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in the West Philippine Sea and protect the rights of Filipino fishermen.
