The China Coast Guard (CCG) again used water cannons and carried out what Philippine authorities described as dangerous maneuvers against Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessels conducting legitimate maritime operations near Bajo de Masinloc on Friday, marking the second consecutive day of similar incidents.
According to the PCG, the operation formed part of the government’s Kadiwa ng Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda (KBBM) program, which delivers fuel subsidies and other assistance to Filipino fishermen while helping ensure their safety in their traditional fishing grounds.
At 6:26 a.m., CCG vessel 3107 fired a water cannon at BRP Cape San Agustin (MRRV-4408) while it was patrolling about 15 nautical miles northeast of Bajo de Masinloc.
Before the incident, the PCG reported monitoring six China Coast Guard vessels and several Chinese Maritime Militia vessels operating near the Philippine ships.
More than an hour later, CCG vessel 21581 also used a water cannon against BRP Datu Paduhinog (MMOV 3017) as the BFAR vessel carried out its regular monitoring, control, and surveillance mission.
The PCG said the Chinese vessel approached within seven meters of the BFAR ship’s bow, creating the risk of a collision.
Authorities also said CCG vessel 21581 had its Automatic Identification System (AIS) turned off, which the PCG said violated international regulations on navigation safety.
At 7:53 a.m., BRP Datu Paduhinog was directly struck by a water cannon, followed by two more blasts at about 8 a.m. Minutes later, the vessel temporarily lost satellite internet connectivity before service was restored at approximately 8:36 a.m.
In a separate incident, the PCG said a Chinese Maritime Militia vessel was seen towing a rope behind BRP Datu Sumakwel, creating a navigation hazard. At around 8:55 a.m., CCG vessel 3303 also fired a water cannon at BRP Datu Cabaylo.
Despite the series of encounters, the PCG said all personnel from the PCG and BFAR remained safe and continued their mission in support of Filipino fishermen.
