The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea condemns in the strongest terms the dangerous actions of the China Coast Guard against the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel BRP Datu Magat Salamat (MMOV 3015) while it was carrying out a fuel subsidy mission for Filipino fisherfolk this morning in the West Philippine Sea.
The incident occurred approximately 54 nautical miles off the coast of Palawan, well within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. The BFAR vessel was engaged in a lawful civilian mission to support the livelihood of Filipino fisherfolk when China Coast Guard vessel CCG-21585 repeatedly executed hazardous maneuvers before deliberately making contact with the Philippine vessel, causing damage and placing the lives of its civilian crew at risk.
This reckless act is a serious breach of the 1972 Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and the 2016 Arbitral Award, which affirmed the Philippines’ sovereign rights within its exclusive economic zone. Such actions undermine safety of life at sea.
We remain resolute in protecting the rights and welfare of our fisherfolk and ensuring that lawful government missions in the West Philippine Sea continue without intimidation or coercion. The immediate deployment of Philippine Coast Guard assets to assist the BFAR vessel reflects the government’s commitment to safeguard Filipino lives and uphold legitimate civilian operations in our maritime zones.
The NTF-WPS calls on China to cease dangerous and unlawful actions that endanger lives at sea. We will continue to exercise our rights under international law with restraint, professionalism, and firm commitment to the security and dignity of the Filipino people.
