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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DND condemns China's 'dangerous, inhumane' water cannon attack near Escoda Shoal

DND condemns China's 'dangerous, inhumane' water cannon attack near Escoda Shoal

Published Dec 16, 2025 10:41 am
A China Coast Guard vessel fires a water cannon at a much-smaller Filipino fishing boat near Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on Dec. 12, 2025. Three fishermen were hurt in the incident. (Courtesy of Philippine Coast Guard)
A China Coast Guard vessel fires a water cannon at a much-smaller Filipino fishing boat near Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on Dec. 12, 2025. Three fishermen were hurt in the incident. (Courtesy of Philippine Coast Guard)
The Department of National Defense (DND) denounced on Tuesday, Dec. 16, the “dangerous and inhumane” actions by Chinese maritime forces against Filipino fishermen near Escoda (Sabina) Shoal where three civilians were injured.
DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said China Coast Guard (CCG) and maritime militia vessels used water cannons, aggressive maneuvers, and cut anchor lines of Filipino fishing boats during a skirmish near Escoda Shoal, which is located just 75 nautical miles or about 140 kilometers off Palawan on Dec. 12.
The shoal is within the 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the country and has long been frequented by Filipinos fishing in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Teodoro said China’s actions violated basic maritime safety obligations and international law.
“Water cannoning, aggressive maneuvering, and the cutting of anchor lines resulting in physical injuries of Filipino civilians are wholly inconsistent with the duty of all States to ensure the safety of human lives,” he said.
“States aspiring for regional leadership should act responsibly,” the defense chief added.
The DND also rejected China’s claim of “indisputable sovereignty” over Escoda Shoal, calling it illegal and unsupported by international law. Teodoro stressed that no international tribunal or law-abiding state has recognized Chinese sovereignty over the feature.
The defense chief reiterated that maritime entitlements in the area are governed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and underscored that the 2016 arbitral ruling, which invalidated China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, is final and binding.
Territorial row
Teodoro also took aim at statements from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs that sought to justify the incident, dismissing allegations that Filipino fishers were armed.
In a transcript of a press conference in China published by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Dec. 15, MOFA spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that Beijing has “indisputable sovereignty” over Spratly Islands, which includes Escoda Shoal, as he defended Chinese maritime actions in the area.
He also claimed that “Philippine personnel even threatened China Coast Guard officers with knives.”
“The attempt by the Spokesperson of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to justify these actions by invoking ‘indisputable sovereignty’ and peddling blatant lies like ‘knife-wielding’ fishermen are not supported by facts and evidence. We call on China to stop spreading false narratives and engaging in state-orchestrated disinformation campaign,” Teodoro said.
The DND further rejected Beijing’s assertion that other countries have no right to comment on the issue.
After the incident, several countries, including the United States, condemned China’s water cannon attack. The US Department of State described it as “aggressive and provocative” against Filipino fishermen who were operating near the shoal just to earn a living.
“We stand with our Philippine allies as they confront China’s provocative actions and increasingly dangerous tactics against its neighbors, which undermine regional stability,” US Department of State deputy spokesperson Thomas Pigott said.
But Guo rejected the US position and stated that Washington is not a party to South China Sea disputes and “has no right to interfere.” He accused the US of making “fact-distorting and provocative remarks” and of encouraging Manila to stir tensions at sea.
In response, Teodoro said the international community has a legitimate interest in upholding international law, freedom of navigation, and the safety of civilians at sea, particularly when coercive acts threaten stability in a vital international waterway.
“Unlike China, we in the Philippines don't silence dissent with violence and intimidation,” he said.

Related Tags

Escoda Shoal water cannon fishermen West Philippine Sea DND Gilberto Teodoro Jr. China CCG United States
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