BFAR condemns China Coast Guard's water cannon attack on Philippine research vessels

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) strongly condemns the China Coast Guard's (CCG) aggressive actions against two Philippine civilian research vessels, BRP Datu Sanday and BRP Datu Pagbuaya, near Pag-asa Cay 2 in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

During the incident on May 21, the CCG vessel 2159 fired a water cannon and sideswiped the BRP Datu Sanday twice, causing damage to its port bow and smokestack and endangering civilian personnel.

BFAR spokesperson Nazario Briguera stated that this is not the first time a BFAR vessel has been attacked, but the agency will not be deterred from its mandate.

Despite the CCG's actions, the Philippine scientific team successfully completed their marine scientific research operations at Pag-asa Cays 1, 2, and 3.

BFAR vowed to continue its marine research missions in the WPS, emphasizing that the incident occurred within Philippine territorial waters around Pag-asa Island and Pag-asa Cay 2.