3 Filipino fishers hurt, 2 boats damaged in Chinese harassment at Escoda

MANILA, Philippines — Three Filipino fishermen were injured and two boats damaged on Friday after Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese Maritime Militia vessels harassed about 20 fishing boats at Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.

Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said on Saturday that the harassment included small Chinese rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) cutting the anchor lines of several fishing vessels, putting crews at risk amid strong currents and high waves.

Larger CCG vessels with hull numbers 21559 and 21562, accompanied by Chinese Maritime Militia ships, reportedly used high-pressure water cannons and performed dangerous blocking maneuvers.

The three fishermen sustained bruises and open wounds, while two boats suffered significant damage from the water cannon blasts.

Escoda Shoal lies 195 kilometers west of Palawan in the West Philippine Sea.

Tarriela said the Coast Guard’s multi-role response vessels, MRRV-4403 and MRRV-4411, were dispatched to assist the fishermen. On the way, the vessels faced repeated obstruction, including a nighttime approach by CCG-23519 within 32 meters of a PCG ship.

READ: Navy spots 20 Chinese vessels in West Philippine Sea in early December

“Despite these aggressive maneuvers, we reached the fishermen and provided immediate medical aid and essential supplies,” Tarriela said. “We are committed to safeguarding Filipino fishermen and upholding maritime safety. Our vessels remain on site to prevent any further harassment.”

The PCG, in coordination with the vessel MV Pamalakaya, distributed fuel, ice, and food to support ongoing fishing operations under the government’s Kadiwa para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda program.

The Coast Guard called on Chinese authorities to follow internationally recognized maritime standards and prioritize the preservation of life at sea. /jpv