On Sunday, August 25, multiple Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels collided with and surrounded the BRP Datu Sanday of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) while bombarding it with water cannons.
Starting at 10:30 a.m., the Chinese vessels intercepted the Philippine vessel approximately 10 nautical miles from Sabina Shoal. Until 2 p.m., the BRP Datu Sanday was harassed and collided with by CCG vessels more than five times.
The CCG vessels, including CCG 3104, 4102, 21555, 21551, and several militia boats, surrounded the BRP Datu Sanday and launched a coordinated water cannon attack aimed at the Philippine vessel’s navigational equipment.
Notably, CCG 21551 had previously collided with the BRP Bagacay early Monday morning, causing significant damage to the ship.
This same vessel was also the first to strike the BRP Datu Sanday earlier today.
Philippine-China Row in the West Philippine Sea
The incident is part of ongoing tensions between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea.
The Philippines has repeatedly protested China’s aggressive actions and violations of international maritime laws in the region.
China claims much of the sea, which overlaps with the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, and has been accused of intimidating and harassing Philippine vessels engaged in legitimate activities.