CCG vessel attacks BFAR ship with water cannons and ramming near Bajo de Masinloc

A China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel launched water cannon attacks and rammed a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) ship during a maritime patrol near Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea on Wednesday.

According to reports, CCG 3302 fired its water cannons at BFAR's BRP Datu Pagbuaya, damaging several parts including the exhaust and fuel tanks of the Filipino vessel.

The high-pressure water cannon destroyed protective covers, potentially disabling the engine if water entered the exhaust, while also deforming industrial-grade plastic fuel tanks under intense pressure.

After damaging the exhaust, CCG 3302 redirected its attacks to three fuel tanks before ramming BRP Datu Pagbuaya from the starboard side, causing it to tilt at a 40-degree angle.

The incident involved four CCG vessels and two PLA Navy ships in aggressive maneuvers against Philippine patrol vessels near Scarborough Shoal and Sandy Cay close to Pag-asa Island.

BFAR spokesperson Nasser Briguera commended Filipino personnel for their bravery despite repeated harassment, while the Philippines filed another diplomatic protest against China following this latest aggression.

Since President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. took office in 2022, the Philippines has lodged a total of 193 diplomatic protests against Chinese actions in the West Philippine Sea.