Manila — December 12, 2025
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed that three Filipino fishermen were injured and two fishing boats were damaged after being targeted with water cannons by Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels near Escoda Shoal yesterday.
According to PCG West Philippine Sea spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela, the agency received reports that around 20 Filipino fishermen, legally operating in the area, were blocked and sprayed with water cannons by CCG vessels 21559 and 21562, along with several Chinese maritime militia boats.
The CCG also deployed rigid-hull inflatable boats that intentionally cut the anchor lines of some Filipino fishing vessels, putting both the boats and their crews at risk amid strong currents and high waves.
When PCG vessels responded to assist the affected fishermen, they were intercepted by the CCG, which performed dangerous maneuvers that further endangered the Filipino crews.
Despite the illegal intervention by Chinese vessels, the PCG successfully reached the fishermen on Saturday morning and provided immediate medical attention to the injured.
Currently, BRP Malapascua and BRP Cape Engaño, in coordination with MV Pamalakaya, are closely monitoring the Filipino fishing group to ensure their safety. They are also providing essential supplies such as fuel, ice, and food as part of the Kadiwa for New Hero Fishermen (KBBM) initiative.
Commodore Tarriela criticized the CCG’s claim that its actions were part of “control measures,” stating that such operations endanger the lives and livelihoods of ordinary Filipinos engaged in legitimate fishing activities within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
The PCG called on the CCG to adhere to internationally recognized standards of conduct at sea and prioritize the protection of life over aggressive law enforcement tactics that put innocent fishermen at risk.