A CHINESE Coast Guard (CCG) vessel collided with a People's Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) ship as they made a risky maneuver against a Philippine vessel in the waters off Bajo de Masinloc Monday morning, August 11, 2025.
In a statement, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Commodore Jay Tarriela said the PCG deployed the BRP Teresa Magbanua and BRP Suluan, along with the MV Pamamalakaya of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, to carry out the “Kadiwa Para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda (KBBM)” initiative for Filipino fishermen in the area, when they encountered hazardous maneuvers and blocking actions from Chinese vessels.
“In particular, the MRRV 4406 (BRP Suluan) was targeted with a water cannon, but the seamanship skills of PCG crew members allowed the vessel to successfully evade getting hit,” said Tarriela.
He said CCG 3104 then chased BRP Suluan at high speed and performed a risky maneuver, which led to its collision with PLA Navy 164, approximately 10.5 nautical miles east of Bajo de Masinloc.
Tarriela said the collision resulted in substantial damage to the CCG vessel's forecastle, rendering it unseaworthy.
“Following the collision, the PCG immediately offered support, including assistance with man-overboard recovery and medical aid for any injured CCG crew members. Meanwhile, the MRRV 9701 safely escorted the Filipino fishermen to a secure location, where they are now being provided with essential fuel and supplies,” Tarriela said.
“The Philippine Coast Guard reaffirms its dedication to safeguarding all maritime operations in the area and wishes for the swift recovery and proper treatment of any affected CCG personnel,” he added. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)