Tension has resurfaced in Bajo de Masinloc (also known as Scarborough or Panatag Shoal) following reported incidents involving Chinese vessels. On Dec. 4, Philippine vessels patrolling the West Philippine Sea (WPS) were targeted by Chinese ships using water cannons and ramming maneuvers. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) were on routine maritime patrols to support Filipino fishermen when they faced aggressive actions from the China Coast Guard (CCG) and People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy. According to Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesperson for the PCG on West Philippine Sea matters, three CCG ships (bow numbers 5303, 3302, and 3104) and PLA Navy vessels (bow numbers 500 and 571) engaged in “hostile activities” against the PCG and BFAR vessels around 6:30 a.m.

Bunye, I. R. (2024, December 9). Renewed tension in Bajo de Masinloc needs firm resolution. Manila Bulletin, p. 4.