October 12, 2025 | Manila, Philippines
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to protecting Filipino fishermen despite continued Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea.
According to PCG Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela, both agencies remain steadfast in defending the rights and livelihood of Filipino fishermen in the Kalayaan Island Group, particularly around Pag-asa Island, even amid repeated acts of intimidation and harassment by Chinese vessels.
“We will not back down or be intimidated. Our presence in the Kalayaan Island Group is crucial to safeguarding the welfare and rights of our fishermen,” Tarriela stated.
The statement came after a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel reportedly fired a water cannon and later intentionally rammed a Philippine Coast Guard vessel near Pag-asa Island on Sunday morning, October 12.
Tarriela said that during the incident, three BFAR ships, including the BRP Datu Pagbuaya, were anchored near Pag-asa Island to provide assistance and protection to local fishermen as part of the government’s “Kadiwa para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda” (KBBM) program.
In a social media post, Tarriela confirmed that around 8:15 a.m., Chinese Coast Guard and Maritime Militia vessels made dangerous and provocative maneuvers toward the BFAR ships before firing high-pressure water cannons, directly endangering Filipino crew members.
The situation escalated further at 9:15 a.m., when CCG vessel No. 21559 fired another round of water cannon, hitting the BRP Datu Pagbuaya. Just minutes later, the same Chinese vessel rammed the ship’s rear section, causing minor structural damage but leaving all crew members safe.
Despite the repeated provocations, the PCG and BFAR vowed to continue their patrols and assistance missions in the West Philippine Sea, emphasizing that Filipino authorities will never be deterred in asserting the country’s sovereignty and protecting its fishermen.