Water cannon attack leaves Filipino fishermen hurt in West Philippine Sea

Three Filipino fishermen were injured after Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) vessels blasted water cannons and harassed around 20 Filipino fishing boats operating lawfully near Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.

The PCG said the attack happened on December 12, when CCG vessels 21559 and 21562, backed by CMM ships, carried out aggressive blocking maneuvers and fired high-pressure water cannons at Filipino boats. In a dangerous escalation, small Chinese rigid-hull inflatable boats cut the anchor lines of several fishing vessels, leaving crews vulnerable to strong currents and high waves.

As a result, three fishermen suffered bruises and open wounds, while two boats were badly damaged.

When PCG multi-role response vessels MRRV-4403 and MRRV-4411 rushed to help, Chinese ships allegedly blocked and shadowed them. One vessel, CCG-23519,

reportedly closed in to within just 35 yards during nighttime navigation—an action the PCG described as reckless and unsafe.

Despite the threats, the PCG reached the fishermen and immediately provided medical aid, food, fuel, and ice. The coast guard is now maintaining a protective presence in the area with MV Pamalakaya to ensure the fishermen can continue working safely.

China later acknowledged using what it called “necessary control measures”—a statement the PCG said effectively confirms actions that endangered the lives and livelihoods of Filipino civilians fishing within the country’s exclusive economic zone.

Acting on orders from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the PCG under Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said it will continue to stand its ground in defending Filipino fishermen and maritime safety in the West Philippine Sea.

The PCG warned that coercion at sea is not law enforcement, and again called on the Chinese Coast Guard to respect international maritime rules and prioritize human life over intimidation.