China Coast Guard vessel harasses Philippine public vessels for second consecutive day near Scarborough Shoal
The harassment was the second consecutive day near Bajo de Masinloc (BDM) as China escalates its illegal, coercive, aggressive, and dangerous actions in the disputed West Philippine Sea.
Footage of a Chinese Coast Guard firing a water cannon at a Philippine vessel off Bajo de Masinloc on Friday, July 24, 2026.
Anna Mogato | July 25, 2026
MANILA — China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels harassed and fired water cannons at six Philippine public vessels on their way to a contested shoal in the West Philippine Sea to deliver fuel subsidies and food supplies to Filipino fishermen in the area.
The harassment was the second consecutive day near Bajo de Masinloc (BDM) as China escalates its illegal, coercive, aggressive, and dangerous (ICAD) actions in the disputed West Philippine Sea.
“Despite these [ICAD] actions, all [Philippine Coast Guard] and [Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources] personnel are safe, and the vessels are sustaining their presence in the area in continued support of Filipino fisherfolk exercising their legitimate rights in their traditional fishing ground,” Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela said in his X (formerly Twitter) post.
“Bajo de Masinloc is an integral part of the Philippine Territory, and its surrounding waters form part of the country’s territorial sea and exclusive economic zone.”
Tarriela, a Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said that the government vessels were carrying out a government program, Kadiwa ng Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda (KBBM), which supports the safety and security of Filipino fisherfolk in their traditional fishing ground.
This latest harassment comes a day after a CCG vessel also fired its water cannon at Philippine ships on its way to BDM. Shortly after, a CCG vessel conducted a dangerous maneuver at BRP Datu Paiburong.
On Monday, the CCG personnel injured a Philippine Navy serviceman in Ayungin Shoal after the CCG boats went close to BRP Sierra Madre to take photos and videos. (Also read: Marcos summons Chinese ambassador over Ayungin Shoal incident)
The continued attack coincided with the 59th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers Meeting, where China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Manila to hold a bilateral discussion with Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro. (Also read: Rubio says China escalates action on Ayungin Shoal)
“The 2016 Arbitral Award has affirmed that BDM is a traditional fishing ground of Filipino fisherfolk, whose rights cannot be lawfully impeded by any foreign power,” Tarriela said.
The earliest attack occurred at 6:26 AM, when CCG vessel 3107 fired its water cannon about 400 meters away at BRP Cape San Agustin (MRRV-4408), while it was conducting a maritime patrol near 15 nautical miles northeast of BDM.
Earlier, MRRV-4408 had been followed by “no fewer than six CCG vessels, alongside Chinese Maritime Militia vessels operating in the area,” Tarriela added.
An hour later, CCG vessel 21581 also attacked BFAR vessel BRP Datu Paduhinog (MMOV 3017). At the same time, it was on its way to conduct its regular monitoring, control, and surveillance mission 12 nautical miles northeast BDM.
Tarriela said that the CCG vessel had gotten close to the BFAR vessel’s port bow, almost causing a collision.
“It is worth noting that the CCG vessel had deliberately switched off its Automatic Identification System (AIS), concealing its identity in violation of international regulations on safety of navigation,” Tarriela added.
A short while later, CCG 21581 again hit Datu Padihunog, and a third time at around 8 AM, when the Philippine vessel temporarily lost its satellite internet connectivity for over 30 minutes.
At the same time, Chinese Maritime Militia vessel 00318 was reported to have been pulling a rope approximately 100 meters directly behind BRP Datu Sumakwel (MMOV 3019), a move Tarriela said posed a threat to the ship’s navigation.
At around 8:55 AM, CCG vessel 3303 also fired its water cannon 300 meters behind BRP Datu Cabaylo (MMOV 3001).
Tarriela said that the PCG and the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea remain steadfast in adhering to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’ s directive to protect Filipino fisherfolk and defend the country’s sovereignty “without escalating tensions and in accordance with international law, particularly with the UNCLOS.”