A China Coast Guard (CCG) ship struck the BRP Datu Sanday of the Bureau of Fisheris and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) yesterday, at around 2:00 PM, near Escoda Shoal.
The video shows the front of a CCG vessel colliding with the BFAR ship. Another video from BFAR shows a CCG ship using water cannons aimed at the BFAR vessel, targeting the roof where the navigational equipment is located.
According to the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea, approximately eight People's Republic of China (PRC) maritime ships harassed the BFAR vessel, operating from Hasa-Hasa Shoal to Escoda Shoal, that was supposed to deliver supplies to Filipino fishermen in the area.
"The CCG vessels made close perilous maneuvers that resulted in ramming, blasted horns, and deployed water cannons against the BFAR vessel, eventually leading to the latter's engine failue and forcing an early termination of the humanitarian operation," the task force said in an official statement on Sunday.
The task force described the actions of the other party as unprofessional, aggressive, and illegal, posing serious risks to the safety of both the Filipino crew and the fishermen in the area.
The task force noted that despite the provocative maneuvers, the crew aboard the BFAR vessel has maintained high morale and remained safe.
They also refuted the Chinese Coast Guard's claim that one BFAR personnel had fallen and was rescued by them.
"This fake news and misinformation serves as a clear illustration of the PRC's willingness to distort the truth and engage in disinformation to bolster its public image," the task force mentioned.
"The Philippine government calls on the People's Republic of China to halt these provocative actions that destabilize regional peace and security," the statement read.
The country continues to firmly uphold its rights based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral ruling.
Hasa-Hasa Shoal is situated about 60 nautical miles from Rizal, Palawan, while Escoda (Sabina) Shoal is roughly 110 nautical miles away, both shoals are located within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
