COAST Guard (PCG) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (Bfar) vessels were harassed anew with illegal maneuvers and water cannon attacks by ships from the Chinese Coast Guard backed by its maritime forces while the Philippine ships were going about their lawful mandate at the territorial waters of Pagasa Island on Sunday.
‘This morning [Sunday] while three Bfar vessels, including the BRP Datu Pagbuaya, were safely anchored in the territorial waters of Pag-asa Island to provide protection for Filipino fishermen as part of the ‘Kadiwa para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda’ [KBBM], they faced dangerous and provocative maneuvers from the China Coast Guard [CCG] and Chinese maritime militia vessels. Around 8:15 a.m., the Chinese maritime forces approached dangerously close, activating their water cannons as a clear threat against the Bfar vessels,’ it added.
The PCG said the situation escalated at approximately 9:15 a.m. when a CCG vessel with bow number 21559 fired its water cannon directly at BRP Datu Pagbuaya, hitting the vessel.
‘Around three minutes later, at 9:18 a.m., the same CCG vessel deliberately rammed the stern of BRP Datu Pagbuaya, causing minor structural damage but no injuries to the crew,’ PCG added.
Despite these bullying tactics and aggressive actions, the PCG said that it remains resolute along with its counterparts from Bfar.
‘We will not be intimidated or driven away, as our presence in the Kalayaan Island Group is crucial for protecting the rights and livelihoods of Filipino fishermen,’ it added.
The PCG commandant, Vice Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan, echoed this determination, saying, ‘the harassment we faced today only strengthens our resolve. Filipino fisherfolk depend on these waters, and neither water cannons nor ramming will deter us from fulfilling our commitment to President Ferdinand Marcos to not surrender a square inch of our territory to any foreign power.’
RP, US, Canada ships in joint maneuvers
PHILIPPINE, United States and Canadian warships conducted complex naval maneuvers under Exercise Samasama (Together) 2025, showcasing strengthened defense cooperation and seamless interoperability in regional waters.
Naval forces -Task Group NTG44.1, composed of BRP Antonio Luna (FF151), BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS16), BRP Valentin Diaz (PS117), BRP Lolinato To-Ong (PG902), USS Cincinnati (LCS20), HMCS Max Bernays (AOPV432), and air assets NH441 and NH43, executed on Saturday a full range of high-intensity tactical operations within the Western Naval Command (WNC) area of responsibility, including Palawan and Kalayaan islands.
The drills included replenishment at sea approaches, photo exercise, air defense exercise, combined anti-submarine exercise, publication exercise and screen exercise, all aimed at reinforcing coordination and enhancing readiness in joint maritime defense scenarios.
WNC said the successful conduct of the exercises reaffirmed the command’s role as a strategic hub for regional maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.
Exercise Samasama, an annual multilateral training with the United States and partner nations, serves as a platform for enhancing collective defense capabilities amid growing security challenges in regional waters.