Philippines counters Chinese claim, BFAR vessel patrols Scarborough Shoal despite obstacles

The Philippines on Thursday refuted China's claim that its coast guard drove away a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel from Scarborough Shoal.

Commodore Jay Tarriela, the Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, stated that despite Chinese assertions, the BFAR vessel BRP DATU SANDAY continues to patrol the waters around Bajo de Masinloc.

On Thursday morning, a video posted by GMA Integrated News showed the China Coast Guard (CCG) deploying a new floating barrier and blocking the BRP Datu Sanday from reaching Scarborough Shoal.

The CCG used multiple ships to prevent the BFAR vessel's passage, with one ship traveling in reverse to block it three times. The Philippine vessel then issued a radio challenge, prompting a Chinese Navy helicopter deployment for monitoring.

Despite the obstruction, the BFAR vessel managed to break through after two hours and anchored 200 meters from Bajo de Masinloc’s shoreline, distributing aid to Filipino fisherfolk.

Tensions have escalated as both sides trade accusations over incidents in the South China Sea, crucial for global shipping and resource extraction, with overlapping claims by China and other Southeast Asian nations.