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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH issues demarche to China over water cannon attack to fishermen

PH issues demarche to China over water cannon attack to fishermen

Published Dec 15, 2025 07:10 pm
(Photo courtesy of PCG)
(Photo courtesy of PCG)
The Philippines has issued a demarche to the Chinese Embassy in Manila over the firing of water cannon to Filipino fishermen near Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.
The demarche was issued through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday, Dec. 15.
"We are giving a demarche to the Chinese embassy today," DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said on Monday night.
On Friday, Dec. 12, three fishermen were injured after Chinese vessels fired water cannons and carried out dangerous maneuvers against Filipino fishing boats near Escoda Shoal, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) revealed on Saturday.
According to PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela, 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, Tarriela said.
The China Coast Guard (CCG) cited the use of "necessary control measures" during the incident.
The National Maritime Council (NMC) tagged the statement as "deeply troubling," saying that "any measure that involves water cannons, dangerous maneuvers, and actions that cause injury and damage to small, wooden civilian fishing boats cannot be justified, particularly when undertaken against subsistence fishers peacefully fishing in the Philippines exclusive economic zone."
The DFA confirmed filing the demarche after the NMC stated that the country will undertake the appropriate diplomatic response and register its strong objection to China's actions and demand them to cease such aggressive acts.
"We call on the CCG, in particular, to act responsibly, adhere to international standards of conduct, and place the preservation of life at sea above actions that sow fear and endanger civilians," the NMC said in its statement.
READ MORE: Marcos orders PCG to deploy vessels in strategic areas to ensure fishermen's safety

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DFA China Coast Guard Escoda Shoal PCG
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