Three Filipino fishermen sustained injuries and two of their vessels were damaged after Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) and maritime militia ships attacked approximately 20 local fishing boats with high-pressure water cannons near Escoda Shoal on Saturday, December 12. The area is located within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
According to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the incident involved Chinese vessels employing water cannons directly aimed at the Filipino boats, a dangerous escalation from previous intimidation tactics, and executing dangerous blocking maneuvers.
Additionally, Chinese personnel aboard inflatable boats deliberately cut the anchor lines of several Filipino vessels, further jeopardizing the safety of the crew and their wooden boats.
PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela confirmed that the high-powered water blasts caused injuries, including bruises and open wounds, to three fishermen who were later given initial medical attention aboard a PCG vessel.
The harassment reportedly lasted for over three hours.
The PCG deployed vessels to the area to provide assistance, supplying the affected fishermen with necessities such as fuel, ice, and food to enable them to continue their livelihood.
The agency emphasized that the Filipino fishermen were operating lawfully in their traditional fishing grounds.
PCG vessels themselves faced repeated blocking and dangerous maneuvers from Chinese ships while attempting to reach the distressed fishermen, with one CCG vessel approaching within 35 yards of a PCG ship to impede its movement.
The China Coast Guard later released a statement claiming it had taken “necessary control measures” against the Philippine vessels, which involved issuing warnings via loudspeaker and maneuvering to drive them away.
Lawmakers in the House of Representatives quickly condemned the Chinese actions, describing the use of high-pressure water cannons as “reckless aggression” and a violation of international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
They expressed concern for the injured fishermen and praised the PCG for their efforts in providing security and medical assistance.
This event is the latest in a series of escalating maritime confrontations between Manila and Beijing in the contested waters.