MANILA — In what could be the latest escalation of tensions in the West Philippine Sea, at least three vessels belonging to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) have faced continuous water cannon attacks from a China Coast Guard (CCG) ship off Scarborough Shoal on Saturday (09 Dec 2023).
The incident involves the BRP Datu Sanday (3002), BRP Datu Bankaw (3004), and BRP Datu Tamblot (3005), engaged by CCG 3302 and 3305, along with four ships from the China maritime militia.
According to security expert Ray Powell, this confrontation has persisted for the past three hours.
As of the latest update, Chinese ships are still harassing the Philippine vessels, which were on a supply mission to support Filipino fishermen in the area.
(Amado Inigo/mnm)