A China Coast Guard vessel collided with a Chinese navy warship while pursuing a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship near Bajo de Masinloc on Monday, August 11. Despite earlier aggression, the PCG promptly offered rescue and medical assistance to the damaged Chinese vessel and its crew.
PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela confirmed the incident, which occurred as PCG vessels BRP Teresa Magbanua and BRP Suluan, together with the fish carrier MV Pamamalakaya, were distributing fuel and supplies to around 35 Filipino fishermen under the “Kadiwa Para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda (KBBM)” initiative.
During the operation, Chinese vessels reportedly executed hazardous maneuvers and blocking tactics.
BRP Suluan was targeted by a water cannon, but PCG crew members skillfully evaded the attack.
A video clip released by the PCG showed BRP Suluan being “sandwiched” by two Chinese vessels while sailing in Bajo de Masinloc, a shoal located 124 nautical miles east of Zambales but tightly guarded by Chinese forces. The PCG issued radio challenge to the Chinese vessels, informing them that they were illegally operating within the exlusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Philippines.
At one point, a CCG ship with bow number “3104” chased BRP Suluan at high speed approximately 10.5 nautical miles east of Bajo de Masinloc. It was tailing BRP Suluan when a Chinese People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) warship with tail number “164” suddenly appeared, hitting the upper deck section of the CCG ship’s bow or front portion.
“This resulted in substantial damage to the CCG vessel’s forecastle, rendering it unseaworthy,” Tarriela said.
Tarriela said the PCG immediately offered support to the CCG vessel, including assistance with man-overboard recovery and medical aid for any injured crew members, even if it was shot by a water cannon by the Chinese forces moments earlier.
Meanwhile, BRP Teresa Magbanua safely escorted the Filipino fishermen to a secure location to continue the humanitarian mission.
“The Philippine Coast Guard reaffirms its dedication to safeguarding all maritime operations in the area and wishes for the swift recovery and proper treatment of any affected CCG personnel,” Tarriela said.
The West Philippine Sea continues to be a volatile region, with frequent confrontations between Manila and Beijing over territorial claims and access to marine resources. (Martin Sadongdong)
