China uses water cannons again to deter PH resupply ops in Scarborough

CHINA ATTACKS China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 4202 drenches the BRP Datu Sanday with its water cannon blasts, which at times threaten to break the windows of the vessel run by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), while CCG ship 21551 takes its turn ramming the BFAR ship during the attack by China’s vessels at Escoda (Sabina) Shoal in ths file photo taken in August 2024. —INQUIRER file photo / NESTOR CORRALES

MANILA, Philippines – China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels used its water cannons again to disrupt the resupply mission to  Filipino ships in Scarborough Shoal on Tuesday morning, but China’s attempt failed to reach the boats, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) confirmed.

BRP Datu Cabaylo (MMOV 3301) and BRP Datu Sanday (MMOV 2002) were on a routine resupply mission to the Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough) Shoal when three CCG ships and one Chinese Navy vessel began to approach and shadow them, the bureau said in a statement.

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“Notwithstanding the dangerous maneuvers and opening of water cannons, both BFAR vessels were able to resupply the Filipino fisherfolk in the vicinity of Bao de Masinloc,” BFAR said.

The BFAR ships succeeded in its resupply mission to seven Filipino mother vessels and 16 Filipino fishing boats near the shoal.

The bureau added, “The BFAR will not be deterred from fulfilling its mission of patrolling all Philippine maritime zones and providing support and assistance to Filipino fisherfolk in the West Philippine Sea.”

Chinese vessels last used water cannons last August on a BFAR ship on its way to Escoda (Sabina) Shoal.