PCG Vessels Ignore Chinese Attack in WPS

Despite Chinese Coast Guard harassment, BFAR and PCG vessels sail on in the West Philippine Sea to deliver supplies to fishermen.

PCG Vessels Ignore Chinese Attack in WPS

By Wilma N. Yamzon – TheNationWeek.Com | October 13, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) stood their ground on Sunday (Oct. 12, 2025) in protecting Filipino fishermen when the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) attacked their ships on Kalayaan Island in the West Philippine Sea.

Two BFAR and PCG vessels were anchored on Pag-asa Island for the “Kadiwa para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda” program when CCG vessel 21559 and the Chinese maritime militia fired water cannons at the BRP Datu Paubuaya around 9:15 a.m.

Minutes later, at 9:18 a.m., the same Chinese vessel deliberately rammed the stern of the BFAR vessel, causing minor structural damage.

No injuries were reported.

The aggressive actions represented a significant escalation in tensions within the disputed waters.

The incident followed a pattern of harassment and intimidation tactics employed by Chinese vessels against PCG ships and fishermen in the WPS.

Despite the blatant aggression, the PCG and BFAR remained resolute in their mission, said PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan.

“The harassment we faced today only strengthens our resolve (to protect our sea),” Gavan declared.

“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,” he added.

The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the Philippines in asserting its sovereignty and protecting the livelihoods of its citizens in the face of China’s increasing aggression in the WPS.