The National Security Council (NSC) dismissed China’s claims that Philippine vessels conducted dangerous maneuvers during a recent water cannon incident in the West Philippine Sea.
NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya clarified that Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) ships were responding to reports of Filipino fishermen being harassed in the area.
The vessels involved were the BRP Teresa Magbanua and BRP Magbuaya, which encountered aggressive actions from China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy upon arrival.
Chinese ships reportedly blocked the BRP Magbanua and used water cannons on the BRP Magbuaya, damaging parts of the Philippine vessel.
Malaya criticized China’s attempt to distort the narrative, accusing the Philippines of provocation despite video evidence showing Chinese ships conducting dangerous and aggressive maneuvers.
The NSC denounced China’s repeated efforts to shift blame and avoid accountability for bullying Filipino fishermen in disputed waters.
Malaya reaffirmed that the Philippine ships were deployed to protect Filipino fishermen and ensure their access to fishing grounds in the West Philippine Sea.