By Kenneth Marcos 
In the early morning calm off Pag-asa Island, a routine mission meant to support Filipino fishermen turned tense when Chinese ships suddenly approached, forcing Philippine vessels into a dangerous standoff.
At around 8:15 a.m. on October 12, three vessels from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), including the BRP Datu Pagbuaya, were anchored near Pag-asa Island to assist local fisherfolk as part of the “Kadiwa para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda” program.
But the calm seas turned hostile when vessels from the China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese maritime militia arrived and began performing aggressive maneuvers.
An hour later, at 9:15 a.m., CCG vessel 21559 directly fired a water cannon at BRP Datu Pagbuaya and rammed its rear section. The collision caused minor damage but fortunately, no one among the Filipino crew was hurt.
PH stands firm: Pag-asa is ours
Pag-asa Island, located in the West Philippine Sea, is part of the Kalayaan Island Group, over which the Philippines has full sovereignty. According to the National Maritime Council, the presence and actions of Philippine vessels in the area are fully legal and within the country’s rights under international law.
“This is clearly our territory,” said the council in a strong statement condemning the Chinese aggression. “China has no right to interfere with our lawful and routine maritime activities.”
The government emphasized that operations near Pag-asa Island are consistent with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award—which ruled in favor of the Philippines—and the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.
Ongoing support for Filipino fisherfolk
Despite the tensions, Philippine agencies such as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and BFAR continue their operations to help Filipino fishermen safely fish in the West Philippine Sea. Programs like Kadiwa para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda aim to bring aid and livelihood support to coastal communities.
“Our fisherfolk are among our modern-day heroes. We will not abandon them,” said a BFAR officer. “We will continue our mission to protect their rights and support their livelihood.”
PH to file protest, urges China to back down
The Department of Foreign Affairs is expected to file a diplomatic protest following the incident. The National Maritime Council called on China to stop all illegal and provocative actions in the West Philippine Sea, and to show genuine willingness for peaceful dialogue.
“China must stop pretending to want peace while continuing acts of aggression,” the statement read. “If it truly respects international law and regional stability, it must act accordingly.”
The situation in the West Philippine Sea remains tense as Chinese vessels continue to enter waters claimed by the Philippines. However, the government affirms it will not retreat and will continue defending the country’s sovereignty.
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