Chinese Coast Guard Vessels Harass Philippine BFAR Ship at Bajo de Masinloc

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that two China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels deployed water cannons against the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) ship BRP Datu Gumbay Piang at Bajo de Masinloc early Tuesday morning, resulting in damage to the Filipino vessel and injury to a crew member.

According to the PCG, the BFAR vessel was conducting a resupply mission approximately 14 nautical miles east of Bajo de Masinloc when CCG 5201 targeted the ship’s starboard side with water cannon fire for about 29 minutes. This aggressive attack caused extensive damage, including shattered glass from the bridge's aft window, compromised partitions in the captain’s cabin, and a short circuit that disabled electrical outlets and five outdoor air conditioning units. One BFAR personnel was wounded by the flying glass.

At the same time, another Chinese vessel, CCG 21562, launched water cannon assaults from the port side roughly 17 nautical miles east of the shoal. Moreover, a Chinese maritime militia ship identified as CMM 00001 performed hazardous maneuvers and attempted similar water cannon actions, though the BFAR ship successfully evaded significant harm through defensive navigation.

The PCG also disclosed that a People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warship bearing bow number 525 broadcasted warnings about ongoing live-fire exercises near the area. These announcements caused alarm among Filipino fishermen operating in the vicinity.

The incident takes place in the waters referred to by the Philippines as the West Philippine Sea, encompassing portions of the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) including the Luzon Sea, the Kalayaan Island Group, and Bajo de Masinloc.

In 2016, an international arbitration tribunal upheld the Philippines’ sovereignty over its EEZ under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), invalidating China’s extensive historical claims. However, China has continued to reject this ruling.

This latest episode underscores ongoing maritime tensions in the disputed South China Sea region amid continued challenges to Philippine sovereignty and security.