Jamayka Rhose Pascual

Two Philippine government ships on a mission to aid Filipino fishermen were fired at with water cannons by the China Coast Guard (CCG) in the West Philippine Sea on June 20.

Photo Courtesy of The Manila Times/ABS-CBN.

The ships were part of a humanitarian supply by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), bringing supplies to communities fishing near Scarborough Shoal.

During the mission, CCG ships 4203 and 3105 blasted water cannons at BRP Datu Tamblot and BRP Datu Taradapit.

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela confirmed that the incident happened when the ships were 15.6 and 18.1 nautical miles from the shoal, within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)

He then added that international law recognized the sea as belonging to the Philippines, particularly to manage and utilize its natural resources.

Tarriela also questioned the Chinese government’s continued claims over the water, saying it lacks a clear legal basis.

"I don't know the law that gives the authority for the Chinese government to claim sovereignty over these waters," he said.

The PCG also rejected China’s claims that the Philippine ships entered Chinese territory, asserting that such claims have no basis under international law.

"I would like to inform you that this is outside the territorial sea of Bajo de Masinloc and this falls within our own exclusive economic zone," Tarriela stated.

On the same day, CCG vessel 4106 was also seen tailing two other Philippine ships.

The PCG said that during the course of the operation, it also monitored six CCG ships, two Chinese Navy warships, and multiple Chinese maritime militia ships within the Philippines’ EEZ.

Zambales fishermen also reported increased difficulties in their usual fishing spots due to the presence of multiple Chinese vessels.

In response to the incident, the Department of Foreign Affairs is expected to file another diplomatic protest against China’s actions.