Chinese CG uses water cannons, sideswipes PH BFAR ship

A Chinese Coast Guard ship reportedly used water cannons and physically sideswiped a Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel near Pag-asa Cay 2 in the West Philippine Sea on Thursday.

The BFAR stated that its BRP Datu Sanday was conducting routine marine scientific research when it was targeted by CCG vessel 21559, resulting in damage to the Filipino ship and endangering civilian personnel.

BFAR spokesperson Nazario Briguera emphasized during a Saturday News Forum that this is not the first time that a water cannon has been fired at BFAR vessels and reiterated the bureau's commitment to continue its operations despite Chinese Coast Guard interference.

Despite China's Coast Guard claiming illegal intrusion by Philippine vessels near Subi Reef and Sandy Cay, BFAR maintains that their operations are legal under Philippines jurisdiction within its territorial waters.

The BFAR scientific team completed its mission without further incident, affirming the bureau’s dedication to sustainable fisheries management and national interests aligned with international law.