David outmaneuvers Goliath at sea — PCG’s BRP Suluan evades water cannons, dodges danger, and watches as two Chinese ships slam into each other near Panatag Shoal. Skill. Courage. (Photo courtesy of PCG)
In a dramatic display of seamanship and courage, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) once again proved its mastery of the seas — this time outmaneuvering not just one, but two Chinese vessels in a tense encounter near Panatag Shoal on Monday, August 11.
Video released by the PCG shows the remarkable moment when a China Coast Guard (CCG) ship and a Chinese Navy warship collided with each other while attempting to block and chase the BRP Suluan. The incident took place about 10.5 nautical miles east of Bajo de Masinloc, within Philippine waters.
According to Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesman for West Philippine Sea affairs, the CCG vessel, bow number 3104, was speeding toward the Suluan in an aggressive maneuver when it struck a People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ship, bow number 154. The collision left the CCG ship’s bow flattened and severely damaged.
“The skill of our skipper and crew was the difference,” Tarriela said. “They kept their composure, executed precise turns, and avoided a dangerous collision — while their pursuers ended up colliding with each other.”
Despite sustaining dents and scratches from the encounter, the Suluan immediately offered assistance to any Chinese crew who may have fallen overboard. The offer was ignored.
The crew of BRP Suluan under the command of PCG Capt. Jomark U. Angue.
The BRP Suluan’s agility and seamanship are a testament to the PCG’s training and resolve, as the Chinese vessels had earlier tried to blast it with high-pressure water cannons — a tactic the Filipinos evaded with deft navigation.
Meanwhile, the BRP Teresa Magbanua successfully escorted 35 Filipino fishing boats to a safe location for the Kadiwa Para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda program, ensuring that fuel and food supplies reached the hands of local fishermen despite Chinese interference.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wasted no time in reaffirming the government’s stance. “We will continue to be present. We will defend our territory. We do not back down,” Marcos declared, stressing that no orders were given to retreat and that Philippine ships would remain in Panatag.
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. called China’s actions “atrocious and inane,” while praising the PCG’s dedication to safeguarding Philippine sovereignty. Senators across party lines also lauded the Coast Guard’s professionalism and restraint, noting their offer of help to injured Chinese sailors despite being harassed moments earlier.
Senator Jinggoy Estrada described the incident as “a classic case of reaping what you sow,” while Senator Risa Hontiveros said the collision highlighted Beijing’s own recklessness. Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva bluntly told China to “get out of Philippine waters,” underscoring that the West Philippine Sea belongs to the Filipino people.
Beyond the politics, the moment has become a point of national pride. The sight of two Chinese ships crashing into each other while the PCG carried out its mission has resonated deeply with Filipinos — a rare scene where the underdog’s skill and discipline outshone the might of a larger force.
As the BRP Suluan sailed away unscathed in spirit, its crew had once again shown the world that courage, training, and love of country can outmatch intimidation.
The West Philippine Sea remains contested, but in this encounter, it was the Filipino mariners who proved that the tide of skill can turn against even the most aggressive adversary.
