The vessels of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) once again experienced harassment from the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) early Wednesday, December 4, while conducting a routine maritime patrol in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc.
In an X post, Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela disclosed that several CCG vessels conducted "aggressive actions." These vessels included CCG 5303, 3302, 3104, and 3304, as well as People’s Liberation Army Navy vessels with bow numbers 500 and 571.
Tarriela stated that the incident occurred at around 6 a.m., with BRP Datu Pagbuaya (MMOV 3003) being directly targeted by the CCG vessels.
"CCG 3302 fired a water cannon at the BRP Datu Pagbuaya (MMOV 3003), aiming directly at the vessel's navigational antennas while it was located 16 nautical miles south of Bajo de Masinloc," said Tarriela.
"Following this hostile action, CCG 3302 intentionally sideswiped the BRP Datu Pagbuaya on its starboard side. Shortly thereafter, at 6:55 AM, CCG 3302 launched a second water cannon attack on the same vessel," he added.
The PCG vessels, including the BRP Teresa Magbanua, have faced blocking, shadowing, and dangerous maneuvers, while the BRP Cabra was also subjected to reckless maneuvers.
"The PCG and BFAR reaffirm their commitment to protecting the rights and safety of our fishermen within our maritime jurisdiction. We will continue to be vigilant in safeguarding our national interests in the West Philippine Sea," Tarriela assured.
The PCG has long been experiencing harassment from CCG and the Chinese Maritime Militia following its claim to the so-called "nine-dash line." The Philippines bases its claim on proximity and historical use by Filipino fishermen, as well as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. maintained that the country will remain diplomatic and will adhere to the rule of law in the West Philippine Sea.
On Tuesday, the PCG confirmed that it also experienced harassment late last month involving Filipino fishermen by a People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy helicopter near Rozul Reef in the West Philippine Sea.
