MANILA — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said it has successfully rendered assistance to Filipino fishermen who were allegedly harassed by Chinese vessels while operating near Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.
In a statement released Friday, the PCG confirmed the deployment of its multi-role response vessels, MRRV-4403 and MRRV-4411, following reports that around 20 Filipino fishing boats were subjected to aggressive actions by ships identified as belonging to the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) and the Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM).
PCG Successfully Renders Assistance to Harassed Filipino Fishermen at Escoda Shoal Amid Aggressive Actions by Chinese Vessels
— Jay Tarriela (@jaytaryela) December 13, 2025
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) today announced the successful deployment of its multi-role response vessels, MRRV-4403 and MRRV-4411, to the vicinity… https://t.co/DW4eXgtjG3 pic.twitter.com/P2QOwRDjbB
According to the PCG, the incident occurred on December 12, 2025, when Chinese vessels, including CCG ships numbered 21559 and 21562, reportedly used water cannons and carried out dangerous blocking maneuvers against Filipino fishermen who were said to be operating lawfully in the area. The situation escalated when small CCG rigid hull inflatable boats allegedly cut the anchor lines of several fishing boats, exposing them to strong currents and rough sea conditions.
The PCG reported that three Filipino fishermen sustained injuries, including bruises and open wounds, while two fishing boats suffered damage due to high-pressure water cannon blasts.
While en route to assist the fishermen, the PCG vessels themselves encountered repeated blocking maneuvers by several Chinese Coast Guard ships. The PCG cited a particularly hazardous incident during nighttime navigation, when a Chinese vessel reportedly closed in to within about 35 yards of a Philippine Coast Guard ship.
Despite what it described as unsafe and unprofessional interference, the PCG said its vessels were able to reach the fishermen early Friday and immediately provided medical assistance, as well as food and other essential supplies.
The PCG added that its ships, together with the support vessel MV Pamalakaya, are now maintaining close proximity to the fishermen to ensure their safety. Fuel, ice, and food were distributed to allow them to continue fishing operations under the government’s Kadiwa para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda program.
The PCG also took note of a statement from the China Coast Guard confirming that it had implemented what it called “necessary control measures” in the area, saying the remark amounted to an acknowledgment of actions that placed Filipino fishermen at risk while they were operating within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
Citing a standing directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the PCG said it remains committed to protecting Filipino fishermen and ensuring maritime safety in the West Philippine Sea under the leadership of Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan.
The Philippine Coast Guard called on the Chinese Coast Guard to comply with internationally recognized standards of conduct at sea, stressing that the protection of human life should take precedence over actions that endanger civilian fishermen.
