China ship uses water cannon, sideswipes BFAR vessel

MANILA, Philippines — Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources research vessels in the West Philippine Sea were blasted with water cannons by the China Coast Guard (CCG), marking the first attack on Philippine civilian vessels, the BFAR said yesterday.

BFAR said it condemned the “aggressive” interference by CCG against its two vessels that were conducting a routine marine scientific research mission in the vicinity of Pag-asa Cay 2 (Sandy Cay) on May 21.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) also lambasted the CCG for its latest episode of aggression toward Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea.

The BRP Datu Sanday and BRP Datu Pagbuaya were on a mission with a Filipino scientific team collecting sand samples as part of their marine research initiative.

At approximately 9:13 a.m. on Wednesday, CCG vessel 21559 blasted with a water cannon and sideswiped Datu Sanday twice, resulting in damage to the latter’s port bow and smokestack as well as putting at risk the lives of civilian personnel on board, according to BFAR.

“This incident marks the first time water cannons have been used against DA-BFAR research vessels in the area of the Pag-asa Cay,” the BFAR said in a statement.

Despite the interference by Chinese maritime forces, the Philippine scientific team was able to complete its research operations in Pag-asa Cays 1, 2 and 3, BFAR said.

BFAR reiterated that the incident occurred within the territorial sea of the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea.

The presence of two CCG vessels 21559 and 5103, as well as two Chinese maritime militia vessels that “supported the harassment,” added to the hostile situation, PCG Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesman on West Philippine Sea issues said in an online media briefing.

The Chinese maritime authorities have carried out similar acts in the past, even deploying a helicopter from the People’s Liberation Army – Navy and flying at a low level seemingly to disturb activities of Filipino researchers, he noted.

Tarriela said the crew of the two BFAR ships, a mix of PCG and BFAR personnel and marine science researchers, remained in high spirits despite the harassment.

EU, US concerned

The European Union and the United States yesterday expressed concern over CCG’s actions.

“The EU stands with the Philippines and reiterates the importance of upholding the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the rules-based international order, including the 2016 South China Sea arbitration,” EU Ambassador Massimo Santoro said.

US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said “the China Coast Guard’s aggressive actions against a lawful Philippine civilian mission near Sandy Cay recklessly endangered lives and threaten regional stability.”

Concert for peace

Teaming up for an event that seeks to promote peace and assert Philippine sovereignty, various local and international artists including a Korean pop group are set to perform aboard a civilian ship while sailing the waters of the West Philippine Sea next week.

The “Concert at Sea” organized by the civil society coalition Atin Ito will feature renowned folk artist Noel Cabangon who revealed yesterday that acclaimed Filipino acts Ebe Dancel, the all-women rock band Rouge, rap collective Morobeats, and P-pop group HORI7ON will be joining him.

Also performing aboard the TS Kapitan Felix Oca are Japanese artist Fumi, Indonesian and Malaysian musicians Viona and Kai Mata, and South Korean K-pop girl group I:Mond.

Atin Ito convenors behind the first two successful and historic civilian missions to the WPS said its latest voyage features “a sea concert to promote peace, unity, and solidarity in the contested waters.”

The STAR, which joined the December 2023 Christmas convoy that delivered essential supplies to Filipino troops stationed at BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, will be covering the activity with the civilian ship sailing to the Kalayaan Island Group including Pag-asa Island.

Atin Ito convenors Ed dela Torre and Rafaela David announced that the third mission is set for May 26 to 30, which will not only see renowned Filipino and international artists rocking at sea but also a sunset musical event at the jump-off point in El Nido, Palawan along with dialogue sessions and cultural exchanges.

Incoming Akbayan party-list Rep. Chel Diokno, in a pre-voyage press briefing in Quezon City, lauded the artists and volunteers joining Atin Ito’s latest civilian mission.

Diokno reiterated Akbayan’s commitment to push for the mandatory teaching of West Philippine Sea history and geography in schools which he will push for in the House of Representatives.

“We will use facts and education to counter the lies, propaganda and fake news being peddled by the Chinese government and its agents in the country,” he said.

Akbayan Rep. Perci Cendaña also expressed full support for the civilian mission, announcing plans to push for legislation declaring July 12 of every year as West Philippine Sea Victory Day to commemorate the Philippines’ historic arbitral win in 2016.

He committed to advocating for the establishment of a West Philippine Sea Institute mandated to conduct research, protect marine resources and develop educational programs aimed at raising public awareness and national pride. — Michael Punongbayan, Pia Lee-Brago