By Kenneth Marcos 
As Filipino fishermen waited for much-needed supplies at sea, a humanitarian mission turned tense and dangerous when Chinese vessels launched water cannons and dangerous maneuvers, damaging a Philippine government ship.
The Philippine government has strongly condemned the latest aggressive actions of Chinese maritime forces in the West Philippine Sea after a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel was attacked with water cannons near Bajo de Masinloc on Monday, September 16.
The BFAR vessel, BRP Datu Gumbay Piang (MMOV 3014), was delivering fuel, food, and water to local fishermen as part of the Kadiwa para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda (KBBM) program — a project aimed at supporting Filipino fisherfolk with essential supplies.
According to the National Maritime Council, the vessel was suddenly harassed by two ships from the China Coast Guard (CCG 5201 and CCG 21562) and one from the Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM 00001). The ships performed dangerous maneuvers and used high-pressure water cannons, resulting in structural and electrical damage to the Philippine vessel. One crew member was also injured during the incident.
Despite the attack, the Filipino crew managed to regain control of their ship and completed their mission, ensuring that the aid reached the fishermen waiting near Bajo de Masinloc — a traditional fishing ground within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The same morning, a Chinese Navy warship (PLA Navy 525) announced a live-fire military drill near the area. The move caused panic among small-scale Filipino fishermen operating nearby, many of whom rely on the West Philippine Sea for their daily income and survival.
“This is not just an attack on a vessel. This is an attack on our people’s livelihood and safety,” a statement from the National Maritime Council read.
Officials said the aggressive behavior violated several international laws, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, which ruled in favor of the Philippines. It also breached basic maritime safety protocols.
The Philippine government has called on China to immediately stop its “illegal, provocative, and dangerous activities” in the West Philippine Sea. It urged Beijing to respect international law and support peaceful dialogue rather than increasing tension through military intimidation.
Despite growing threats, the Philippines vowed to continue lawful missions in its own waters and protect the rights and safety of its fishermen, especially in areas like Bajo de Masinloc that are critical to local food security and livelihood.
This incident adds to a growing list of confrontations between Philippine and Chinese vessels in recent years. The West Philippine Sea remains a vital fishing and trade route, with thousands of Filipinos depending on it for their daily needs.
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