Palawan: A China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel rammed a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel delivering fuel subsidy to Filipino fisherfolk about 54 nautical miles off the coast of Palawan.
According to Philippines News Agency, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela, stated that the CCG deliberately rammed the civilian government vessel which was on a humanitarian and livelihood mission, endangering the lives of its Filipino crew. Tarriela emphasized that these actions violate the 1972 Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), the 2016 Arbitral Award, and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The incident involved CCG vessel 21585, which cut across the stern of the BRP Datu Magat Salamat at a distance of only about 10 meters. At 11:13 a.m., the Chinese vessel repeated the maneuver and made contact, striking the ship. The damage to the vessel's starboard side included bent and broken main railings, deformed metal stanchions, displaced deck fixtures, and debris scattered across the deck.
Even after the collision, the CCG vessel conducted another dangerous maneuver, passing dead astern at a distance of only about 5 meters. The incident occurred at coordinates 09°34.445'N, 116°53.714'E, approximately 6.36 nautical miles north-northwest of Abad Santos Shoal, within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan ordered PCG surface and air assets to proceed to the vessel's location to provide assistance and ensure the safety of its crew. The PCG affirmed its commitment to support BFAR's missions in the West Philippine Sea, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s guidance to ensure Filipino fishermen can safely exercise their rights within the country's exclusive economic zone.
The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) condemned the actions of the CCG, calling it a serious breach of international maritime regulations. The task force reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Filipino fisherfolk and ensuring the continuation of lawful government missions without intimidation.
Additionally, Victor Andres Manhit of the Stratbase Institute emphasized the need for the Philippines and its foreign partners to intensify diplomatic, legal, and maritime cooperation to deter further coercive actions and uphold a rules-based order at sea. Manhit stressed the importance of protecting the rights, safety, and livelihoods of Filipino fisherfolk while exercising sovereign rights in accordance with international law.
