Two Philippine ships were bombarded with water cannons by Chinese vessels during a maritime patrol in the waters close to Bajo De Masinloc (BDM) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Philippines Accuses China of Damaging 2 PH Vessels

In a statement released on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, Commodore Jay Tarriela, representative for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in the West Philippine Sea, reported that during a mission to deliver fuel and food supplies to Filipino fishermen, Philippine vessels from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the PCG faced challenging situations due to the dangerous maneuvers and obstruction caused by four China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels and six Chinese Maritime Militia vessels.

According to Reuters, the incident involved a CCG vessel using its water cannon against a BFAR vessel, while two other Chinese ships also used their water cannons to target the PCG vessel from both sides.

This occurred at a distance of approximately 12 nautical miles from BDM, with the PCG vessel located around 1,000 yards east-southeast of BDM.

The vessel BRP Bagacay of the Philippine Tarriela encountered some damage to its railing and canopy. 

Additionally, a floating barrier has been installed by China at the entrance of the shoal, which has effectively limited access to the area.

China asserts its control over a significant portion of the South China Sea, which serves as a crucial route for over $3 trillion worth of trade each year. This area is also claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that China's claim lacked legal foundation, a decision that Beijing has chosen to dispute.

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South China Sea Dispute

China and the Philippines have exchanged accusations of unlawful behavior at the Scarborough Shoal. Manila has taken the step of summoning a Chinese diplomat to seek clarification on what it perceives as aggressive actions. 

The Philippines is often accused by China of encroaching on its territory. China and the Philippines had previously expressed their intention to improve communication and management regarding the skirmishes in the South China Sea. 

However, tensions have escalated recently due to the Philippines strengthening its diplomatic and military relations with the United States.

In a recent directive, Philippines' President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized the importance of a "rational deployment" in the West Philippine Sea.

Marcos reiterated the country's commitment to maintaining sovereignty in the area, despite the ongoing presence of Chinese authorities in the disputed waters, the Sun  Star reported.

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