The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) deployed vessels in support of the “Kadiwa ng Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda” (KBBM) program on 23 July 2026 to ensure the safety and security of Filipino fishermen at Bajo de Masinloc (BDM) and to provide fuel subsidies amid rising fuel prices. The mission proceeded despite illegal, coercive, and aggressive actions by the China Coast Guard (CCG).
At approximately 5:54 AM, CCG 3302 closed to merely 50 meters off the bow of BRP Datu Dumangsil (MMOV 3012), and at 6:29 AM, it fired its water cannon at the vessel for more than two minutes, scoring an indirect hit. At around 6:00 AM, CCG 21579 executed a dangerous maneuver, crossing approximately 500 meters ahead of the bow of BRP Datu Paiburong (MMOV 3018). No injuries were reported, and both BFAR vessels continued their mission. These actions violated the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and endangered Filipino personnel engaged in a purely humanitarian undertaking.
Despite the harassment, M/V Mamalakaya and BRP Datu Cabaylo (MMOV 3001) completed the distribution of fuel and food packs to Filipino fishing boats in the area by mid-morning, while BRP Datu Sumakwel (MMOV 3019) likewise sustained patrol and resupply operations.
Meanwhile, a PCG Cessna Grand Caravan (PCG-2081) was deployed by PCG Commandant Admiral Ronniel Gil Gavan to conduct a Maritime Domain Awareness flight over BDM, during which it received a radio challenge from Chinese forces well within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone. The aircraft monitored three (3) CCG vessels (CCG-3302 and two (2) CCGs UBN), two (2) Chinese Maritime Militia vessels (Qiongsanshayu 00318, Qiongsanshayu 00304), and one (1) PLA-Navy (UBN) vessel in the area.
As of this morning, three (3) PCG vessels, four (4) BFAR vessels, and M/V Mamalakaya remain at BDM to continue the operation, against nine (9) CCG vessels ( CCG-21578, CCG-21579, CCG-3303,CCG-5306, CCG-4301, CCG-3107, CCG-21581, CCG-3302 and CCG-21563) and one (1) Chinese Maritime Militia vessel (QIONG SAN SHAYU 00304) monitored in the area.
Bajo de Masinloc is an integral part of Philippine territory, and the legally binding 2016 Arbitral Award affirmed the traditional fishing rights of Filipino fishermen in its waters. The PCG and BFAR will continue to support Filipino fisherfolk and maintain a lawful presence in the West Philippine Sea, consistent with UNCLOS and the directive of the President.
