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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 3 fishermen hurt due to Chinese-fired water cannon off Escoda Shoal — PCG

3 fishermen hurt due to Chinese-fired water cannon off Escoda Shoal — PCG

Published Dec 13, 2025 02:11 pm
Three Filipino fishermen sustain injuries when Chinese vessels allegedly fired water cannon against their group near Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on Dec. 12, 2025. Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel came to their rescue and reached the area on Dec. 12 despite also being harassed by Chinese vessels. (Courtesy of PCG)
Three Filipino fishermen sustain injuries when Chinese vessels allegedly fired water cannon against their group near Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on Dec. 12, 2025. Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel came to their rescue and reached the area on Dec. 12 despite also being harassed by Chinese vessels. (Courtesy of PCG)
Three fishermen were injured after Chinese vessels fired water cannons and carried out dangerous maneuvers against Filipino fishing boats near Escoda (Sabina) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) revealed Saturday, Dec. 13.
PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela said the incident occurred on Friday, Dec. 12, while around 20 Filipino fishing boats were operating off Escoda Shoal, which is located just 75 nautical miles or about 140 kilometers off Palawan, within the 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the country.
Tarriela said the fishermen were allegedly harassed by China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels with bow numbers “21559” and “21562” along with several Chinese maritime militia (CMM) boats.
High-pressure water cannon blasts injured the three fishermen and left them with bruises and open wounds while two fishing boats also sustained damage.
Small CCG rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) also allegedly cut the anchor lines of several Filipino vessels, placing them at risk amid strong currents and rough sea conditions, the PCG official added.
After receiving reports of the targeted attack, the PCG deployed dispatched multi-role response vessels BRP Malapascua (MRRV-4403) and BRP Cape Engaño (MRRV-4411) to the area to assist the affected fishermen.
However, Tarriela said the PCG ships themselves were subjected to repeated blocking and close-range maneuvers by CCG vessels 21559, 21562, and a third vessel with bow number “5204” while en route.
“One particularly hazardous incident occurred when CCG-23519 approached within 35 yards of a PCG vessel during nighttime navigation” Tarriela said.
Despite the interference, the PCG vessels reached the fishermen and provided medical assistance, fuel, food, and ice on Saturday, Dec. 13.
The PCG ships, according to Tarriela, have coordinated with government-funded fish carrier MV Pamalakaya to help ensure the safety of the fishermen while they continue fishing.
Tarriela said China released a statement acknowledging the use of “control measures” against Filipino fishermen, effectively confirming actions that endangered civilian lives.
“The PCG calls on the Chinese Coast Guard to adhere to internationally recognized standards of conduct, prioritizing the preservation of life at sea over pretensions of law enforcement that jeopardize the lives of innocent fishermen,” Tarriela said.
The latest water cannon attack adds to a growing list of incidents in which Chinese vessels have used force or intimidation against Filipino fishermen and government ships in the WPS.
China claims a major portion of the South China Sea, including features within the EEZ of the Philippines, despite a 2016 arbitral ruling invalidating their dash-line claims.

Related Tags

PCG fishermen water cannon China Coast Guard maritime militia Escoda Shoal WPS
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