China Coast Guard Blasts PH Vessels with Water Cannons Again at Scarborough Shoal

The China Coast Guard (CCG) again fired water cannons at Philippine vessels in the waters of Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) on Friday morning, just a day after similar attacks on Filipino sailors in the same area. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that the CCG's actions occurred as Filipino boats were attempting to deliver food and fuel to fisherfolk. According to the PCG, at approximately 6:26 a.m., CCG vessel 3107 fired its water cannon at the BRP Cape San Agustin (MRRV-4408) from a distance of about 400 meters. The PCG vessel was conducting a maritime patrol only 15 nautical miles away from Bajo de Masinloc. Later, around 7:35 a.m., CCG vessel 21581 targeted the BRP Datu Paduhinog (MMOV 3017), a vessel of the Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), with a water cannon approximately 12 nautical miles northeast of the shoal. At around 7:53 a.m., CCG 21581 directly hit the BRP Datu Paduhinog, followed by two more blasts. The PCG reported that the BRP Datu Paduhinog temporarily lost its satellite internet connectivity following the incident, but it was restored by 8:36 a.m. Furthermore, at around 8:09 a.m., a Chinese Maritime Militia vessel, 00318, was observed pulling a rope approximately 100 meters behind the BRP Datu Sumakwel (MMOV 3019), an act the PCG stated posed a danger to the vessel's safe navigation. The PCG emphasized that despite the "illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive actions" by Chinese forces, all BFAR and PCG personnel remained safe. Friday's incident is part of a series of tense confrontations between Chinese and Filipino forces in the West Philippine Sea this past week. On Thursday, the CCG also attacked Philippine Coast Guard and BFAR vessels at Scarborough Shoal during a routine trip to aid fisherfolk. Earlier on Monday, members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines were physically assaulted with wooden clubs by CCG personnel at Ayungin Shoal, resulting in injuries to two servicemen, one requiring several stitches on his head. President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. summoned the Chinese Envoy to the Philippines, Jing Quan, on Tuesday to discuss the Monday incident. However, Ambassador Quan subsequently placed blame on the Filipino forces. The PCG reiterated that Bajo de Masinloc is an integral part of Philippine territory, and its surrounding waters are part of the country's territorial sea and exclusive economic zone. The 2016 Arbitral Award, they noted, affirmed Bajo de Masinloc as a traditional fishing ground for Filipino fisherfolk, whose rights cannot be lawfully impeded by any foreign power. GMA News Online has requested comments from the Chinese Embassy in Manila regarding the matter, but has not yet received a response as of press time.