Footage from the Philippine Coast Guard of Chinese Coast Guard (CCG-21585) vessel harassing BRP Datu Magat Salamat near Palawan on Friday, September 18, 2026.
Manuel Mogato | September 18, 2026
MANILA — A Chinese Coast Guard vessel deliberately rammed a Philippine fisheries vessel on a humanitarian mission 54 miles off Palawan, causing major damage, a Philippine Coast Guard spokesman said.
Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela said a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel was delivering fuel, food, and water to local fishermen within the country’s 200-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) when a Chinese maritime law enforcement vessel intentionally rammed the smaller Philippine vessel.
“It was a case of intentional ramming,” Tarriela told journalists, adding that BRP Datu Magat Salamat sustained major damage to its main railings, metal stanchions and supports, as well as deck fixtures and equipment.
“There were no injuries,” he added.
Tarriela said the fisheries vessel was returning to Coron in Palawan after it ran aground on Hasa-Hasa Shoal, nearly 100 miles from Palawan. (Also read: The US is upgrading an operating naval base in Palawan)
It was supposed to bring supplies to local fishermen near Abad Santos Shoal but has turned back to assess the vessel’s seaworthiness.
The larger, much faster Chinese Coast Guard (CCG-21585) vessel intercepted the limping BRP Datu Magat Salamat with dangerous maneuvers, cutting across the stern before hitting the Philippine boat.
The ramming incident happened near Abad Santos Shoal, about 54 nautical miles away from Palawan, and is within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ). (Also read: When the Hallowed Past is Desecrated at the Altar of Political and Material Expediency)
The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea immediately condemned the Chinese “reckless act”, which endangered Filipino lives. (Also read: Standing up to China)
It said China breached 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.
“The NTF-WPS calls on China to cease dangerous and unlawful actions that endanger lives at sea,” it said in a statement.
“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.”
China claims almost all of the South China Sea, a strategic sea lane where $3 trillion worth of seaborne trade passes annually.
Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam also have conflicting claims in the body of water believed to have rich deposits of energy and mineral resources.
