NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
DND Slams 'Dangerous' China Actions After Filipino Fishermen Hurt At Sea
Photo credit: DND
The Department of National Defense is pushing back hard after Filipino fishermen were injured and their boats damaged during a tense encounter at sea earlier this month—saying the truth is already on record and cannot be brushed aside.
In a strongly worded statement, DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio R. Andolong said the December 12 incident was no exaggeration or manufactured issue. Filipino fishermen, he stressed, were hurt, harassed, and deliberately put in danger after Chinese vessels used water cannons, blocking maneuvers, and even cut anchor lines while they were fishing within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
According to the DND, the incident is backed by video footage, vessel logs, timestamps, and on-site reports from the Philippine Coast Guard—clear documentation that shows what really happened on the water.
“The Philippines is not hyping anything,” the statement said, adding that the actions were aggressive, excessive, and dangerous, especially since they targeted civilians and even disrupted humanitarian assistance for injured fishermen.
The DND also pointed out that China’s own Coast Guard admitted to implementing “control measures,” which, for Manila, confirms direct interference not just with fishing boats but also with Philippine vessels trying to help wounded civilians.
Calling out Beijing’s narrative, the defense department rejected the idea that such actions promote stability. Using water cannons, cutting anchor lines, and blocking rescue efforts, the DND said, puts lives at risk and violates basic maritime safety norms.
Despite the tension, the DND emphasized that the Philippines will continue to act calmly, professionally, and transparently, while firmly asserting its rights under international law.
“We will not be intimidated,” the statement said, vowing that the country will continue to protect its people and benefit from its own resources amid what it described as constant bullying and unsafe behavior.
For the DND, the real threat to peace isn’t resistance—but actions at sea that endanger civilians and dismiss accountability.
In a strongly worded statement, DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio R. Andolong said the December 12 incident was no exaggeration or manufactured issue. Filipino fishermen, he stressed, were hurt, harassed, and deliberately put in danger after Chinese vessels used water cannons, blocking maneuvers, and even cut anchor lines while they were fishing within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
According to the DND, the incident is backed by video footage, vessel logs, timestamps, and on-site reports from the Philippine Coast Guard—clear documentation that shows what really happened on the water.
“The Philippines is not hyping anything,” the statement said, adding that the actions were aggressive, excessive, and dangerous, especially since they targeted civilians and even disrupted humanitarian assistance for injured fishermen.
The DND also pointed out that China’s own Coast Guard admitted to implementing “control measures,” which, for Manila, confirms direct interference not just with fishing boats but also with Philippine vessels trying to help wounded civilians.
Calling out Beijing’s narrative, the defense department rejected the idea that such actions promote stability. Using water cannons, cutting anchor lines, and blocking rescue efforts, the DND said, puts lives at risk and violates basic maritime safety norms.
Despite the tension, the DND emphasized that the Philippines will continue to act calmly, professionally, and transparently, while firmly asserting its rights under international law.
“We will not be intimidated,” the statement said, vowing that the country will continue to protect its people and benefit from its own resources amid what it described as constant bullying and unsafe behavior.
For the DND, the real threat to peace isn’t resistance—but actions at sea that endanger civilians and dismiss accountability.
Dec 18, 2025
We are dedicated storytellers with a passion for bringing your brand to life. Our services range from news and media features to brand promotion and collaborations.
Interested? Visit our
Contact Us page for more information. To learn more about what we offer, check out our latest article on services and opportunities.
