CCG water cannons damage BFAR ship, harass Filipino fishermen

Two China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels damaged the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) ship, BRP Datu Gumbay Piang, with water cannons near Bajo de Masinloc.

The CCG vessels fired water cannons at the Philippine vessel during a resupply mission for local fishermen, causing damage and injuring one BFAR personnel.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) denied China's claim that the BFAR vessel intentionally rammed a CCG ship.

Separately, ten Filipino fishermen onboard the fishing boat FB LJ were stranded near Bajo de Masinloc due to engine trouble.

Their journey home was hampered by a CCG vessel (bow number 3302) which shadowed, blocked, and attempted to drive them away.

Despite the harassment, the fishermen were eventually towed to safety by fellow Filipino fishermen.

Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada condemned the CCG's actions, calling it a disregard for international law and the safety of Filipinos.