Philippines Coast Guard Vessel Damaged in Chinese Ships' Water Cannon Attack

Tensions flared between Philippine and Chinese maritime forces today as two Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels reportedly fired water cannons at a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel during a routine patrol near Scarborough Shoal.

According to the Philippine Coast Guard, the PCG vessel BRP Bagacay was targeted by CCG ships with water cannons during a patrol mission at Bajo De Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) earlier today. The forceful water pressure caused damage to the railing and canopy of the Philippine vessel.

"This damage serves as evidence of the forceful water pressure used by the China Coast Guard in their harassment of Philippine vessels," stated Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesperson for the National Task Force of the West Philippine Sea.

The Chinese Embassy has yet to issue a comment on the incident, but Chinese state media reported that the China Coast Guard had "expelled" Philippine vessels from waters near the shoal.

Furthermore, the Philippine Coast Guard reported that the Chinese Coast Guard has deployed a 380-meter floating barrier blocking the entrance to Scarborough Shoal, restricting access to Filipino fishermen.

Just last month, the Philippines removed a similar floating barrier installed by China at the direction of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The Scarborough Shoal, situated approximately 240 kilometers west of Luzon, is a vital fishing ground for generations of Filipino fishermen, despite being nearly 900 kilometers from the nearest major Chinese landmass of Hainan.