A Philippine vessel conducting a routine maritime patrol was targeted twice by a water cannon attack and an intentional close maneuver by China Coast Guard (CCG) 3302 in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc on Wednesday.
The incident involved the BFAR vessel BRP Datu Pagbuaya, accompanied by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), supporting Filipino fishermen operating in the area.
PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela, confirmed the encounter through his X account, detailing aggressive actions by four China Coast Guard vessels and two People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ships.
The first water cannon attack occurred at around 6:30 AM, with the CCG vessel targeting the BRP Datu Pagbuaya’s navigational antenna and maneuvering dangerously close to its starboard side.
A second water cannon attack by the same CCG vessel followed at 6:55 AM, escalating tensions in the contested waters.
Other Philippine vessels, including the BRP Teresa Magbanua and BRP Cabra, also reported dangerous maneuvers by PLAN vessel 500 and CCG vessels 503 and 3104, with some incidents occurring as close as 300 yards.
Despite these provocations, the PCG and BFAR reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the rights and safety of Filipino fishermen and maintaining vigilance in protecting national interests in the West Philippine Sea.