NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Philippine Vessel Damaged; One Injured After China Coast Guard Water Cannon Attack
Screengrab from Jay Tarriela
A Philippine vessel on a mission to support local fishermen was subjected to an aggressive water cannon assault by the China Coast Guard (CCG) near Bajo De Masinloc. The attack, which caused significant damage and injured one crew member, highlights the escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
The vessel, BRP Datu Gumbay Piang, operated by the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), was carrying out its "Kadiwa para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda" (KBBM) initiative, providing essential fuel and supplies to Filipino fishermen in the area. This morning, however, its humanitarian mission was interrupted by two CCG vessels.
According to reports, CCG vessel 5201 opened fire with its water cannon, hitting the Philippine ship on its starboard side. The 29-minute onslaught shattered the glass of the bridge's aft window, damaged internal partitions, and caused a short circuit that affected several electrical outlets and air conditioning units. Tragically, a DA-BFAR personnel was injured by the flying glass. Simultaneously, another CCG vessel, 21562, joined the attack from the port side.
Adding to the tense situation, a Chinese maritime militia vessel also attempted a similar water cannon attack and conducted what officials described as hazardous maneuvers. The crew of the BRP Datu Gumbay Piang, however, successfully executed safety maneuvers to avoid further damage.
The BRP Datu Gumbay Piang eventually managed to escape the harassment and rejoin nine other DA-BFAR vessels, continuing its mission. This incident, however, was preceded by another unsettling development: a Chinese warship broadcasted a message announcing live fire exercises in the vicinity, a declaration that reportedly caused panic among the local fishermen.
Despite the hostile and dangerous actions, the Philippine Coast Guard and DA-BFAR have reiterated their unwavering commitment to upholding the nation's maritime jurisdiction and protecting the safety and livelihoods of Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea.
The vessel, BRP Datu Gumbay Piang, operated by the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), was carrying out its "Kadiwa para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda" (KBBM) initiative, providing essential fuel and supplies to Filipino fishermen in the area. This morning, however, its humanitarian mission was interrupted by two CCG vessels.
According to reports, CCG vessel 5201 opened fire with its water cannon, hitting the Philippine ship on its starboard side. The 29-minute onslaught shattered the glass of the bridge's aft window, damaged internal partitions, and caused a short circuit that affected several electrical outlets and air conditioning units. Tragically, a DA-BFAR personnel was injured by the flying glass. Simultaneously, another CCG vessel, 21562, joined the attack from the port side.
Adding to the tense situation, a Chinese maritime militia vessel also attempted a similar water cannon attack and conducted what officials described as hazardous maneuvers. The crew of the BRP Datu Gumbay Piang, however, successfully executed safety maneuvers to avoid further damage.
The BRP Datu Gumbay Piang eventually managed to escape the harassment and rejoin nine other DA-BFAR vessels, continuing its mission. This incident, however, was preceded by another unsettling development: a Chinese warship broadcasted a message announcing live fire exercises in the vicinity, a declaration that reportedly caused panic among the local fishermen.
Despite the hostile and dangerous actions, the Philippine Coast Guard and DA-BFAR have reiterated their unwavering commitment to upholding the nation's maritime jurisdiction and protecting the safety and livelihoods of Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea.
Sep 17, 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.
