The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) have reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea following another incident of aggression from Chinese vessels near Pag-asa Island.
According to PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela, three BFAR vessels, including the BRP Datu Pagbuaya, were anchored within the country’s territorial waters early Sunday morning as part of the “Kadiwa para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda” (KBBM) initiative. The mission aims to support local fishermen operating in the Kalayaan Island Group.
At around 8:15 a.m., Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels reportedly carried out dangerous maneuvers, moving in close proximity to the anchored BFAR ships and threatening them with activated water cannons.
The situation worsened an hour later when a China Coast Guard vessel with the bow number 21559 allegedly fired a water cannon at the BRP Datu Pagbuaya. Moments later, the same vessel rammed into the stern of the BFAR ship, causing minor damage but no injuries among the Filipino crew.
Despite the confrontation, the PCG and BFAR vowed to maintain their presence in the area.
“We will not be intimidated or forced to withdraw,” said PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan. “Our duty is to protect the livelihood of our fisherfolk and to uphold our sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.”
The latest incident adds to a series of confrontations between Philippine and Chinese vessels in contested waters, as Manila continues to assert its territorial rights under international law.
