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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider NMC, foreign envoys slam China's water cannon attack vs BFAR vessel

NMC, foreign envoys slam China's water cannon attack vs BFAR vessel

Published Sep 18, 2025 08:10 am
BRP Datu Gumbay Piang, a vessel of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), during a humanitarian mission in Bajo de Masinloc on Sept. 16, 2025. (Photo from the Philippine Coast Guard)
BRP Datu Gumbay Piang, a vessel of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), during a humanitarian mission in Bajo de Masinloc on Sept. 16, 2025. (Photo from the Philippine Coast Guard)
The National Maritime Council (NMC) and several members of the diplomatic community protested the latest incident near Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), wherein Chinese vessels water cannoned a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel.

“The Philippines condemns the latest illegal and hostile actions of China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) vessels against a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel engaged in a lawful and routine humanitarian mission near Bajo de Masinloc (BDM),” the NMC said in a statement on Wednesday, Sept. 17.

“These illegal and hostile actions by the Chinese vessels caused structural and electrical damage to BRP Datu Gumbay Piang and injury to one of the Filipino crew members. Despite the damage caused, the crew of BRP Datu Gumbay Piang was able to successfully maneuver the vessel to safety and continued its humanitarian mission,” it added.

According to the NMC, BFAR vessel BRP Datu Gumbay Piang was carrying out the Kadiwa para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda (KBBM) program to deliver vital fuel, food, and water supplies to Filipino fisherfolk when it was subjected to dangerous maneuvers and sustained water cannon attacks by two CCG vessels—CCG 5201 and CCG 21562–and a China Maritime Militia vessel—CMM 00001.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it plans to file a formal protest on Thursday.

The diplomatic community based in the Philippines also went on social media to protest China’s actions.

Australian Ambassador Marc Innes-Brown called for “respect” for international law in a post on X.

“Seriously concerned by reports of dangerous actions by China’s Coast Guard towards Philippines’ vessels at Scarborough Shoal, resulting in injury and damage. We call for restraint and respect for international law. Disputes must be settled peacefully,” he wrote.

For Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya, rule of law must be upheld at all times.

“Japan is gravely concerned about the aggressive actions by CCG in Scarborough Shoal which resulted in the injured BFAR personnel and damage to BFAR vessel. Japan upholds the rule of law and opposes any actions which increase tensions,” he said in a separare X post.

Innes-Brown and Endo shared the NMC statement in their posts, too.

United States Ambassador MaryKay Carlson also expressed Washington’s condemnation of the recent “aggressive actions” by China.

“We commend the Philippine government and @CoastGuardPH for professionally exercising Philippine sovereign rights, protecting Filipino fisherfolk, and upholding maritime law for a #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific,” she stated.

European Union Ambassador Massimo Santoro also expressed concern over the recent incident. “We stress that international law with UNCLOS at its core and the 2016 Arbitral Award must be respected.”

The British Embassy in Manila pointed out the “risks” of the water cannon incident.

“The UK is deeply concerned by aggressive actions by Chinese vessels near Scarborough Shoal, including the use of water cannons against a @bfarph vessel. Such conduct risks miscalculation, endangers lives at sea, and undermines regional stability,” it said.

“We urge all parties to uphold international law including UNCLOS, and to respect freedom of navigation. Dialogue and restraint are essential to avoid further tensions,” the embassy added.

Related Tags

Bajo de Masinloc National Maritime Council Chinese vessels BFAR
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