Tensions flared anew in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough or Panatag Shoal) after Chinese ships allegedly fired water cannon and intentionally struck Philippine vessels that were patrolling in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Wednesday, December 4.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) conducted a routine maritime patrol in the vicinity of the shoal to support Filipino fishermen when they encountered “aggressive actions” from the China Coast Guard (CCG) and People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, according to PCG spokesperson for West Philippine Sea (WPS) Commodore Jay Tarriela.
Tarriela said that three CCG ships with bow numbers “5303,” “3302”, and 3104” as well as PLA Navy vessels with bow numbers “500” and “571” ganged up on the PCG and BFAR vessels around 6:30 a.m.
“At around 6:30 a.m., CCG 3302 fired a water cannon at the BRP Datu Pagbuaya (MMOV 3003), aiming directly at the vessel's navigational antennas while it was located 16 nautical miles south of Bajo de Masinloc,” Tarriela said.
“Following this hostile action, CCG 3302 intentionally sideswiped the BRP Datu Pagbuaya on its starboard side. Shortly thereafter, at 6:55 a.m., CCG 3302 launched a second water cannon attack on the same vessel,” he added.
As if not contented, BRP Teresa Magbanua “faced blocking, shadowing, and dangerous maneuvers” from PLA Navy vessel 500 and CCG 503 while BRP Cabra was subjected to “reckless maneuvers” by CCG 3104 at a close distance of 300 yards.
The PCG has yet to disclose if there was any damage sustained by the PCG and BFAR vessels.
PCG vessels are also armed with water cannons but Coast Guard Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan previously stated that it should only be used to save lives at sea, including in firefighting scenarios, and not to harm other people.
Just recently, China has submitted a chart to the United Nations (UN) which depicts the baselines of what it claims as its territorial waters around Bajo de Masinloc.
Bajo de Masinloc lies within the 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ), about 124 nautical miles from Masinloc, Zambales. This means that Filipinos have the sovereign rights to explore and exploit its natural resources.
However, China claims the area as part of its territorial waters in the South China Sea even if its dash-line claims have already been debunked by a 2016 arbitral ruling.
Tarriela reaffirmed the PCG’s commitment to protect the rights and safety of Filipino fishermen within the country’s maritime jurisdiction with the BFAR.
“We will continue to be vigilant in safeguarding our national interests in the West Philippine Sea,” he said.