Palawan: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered concerned agencies to prioritize the safety of Filipino fishers following the reported water cannoning and dangerous maneuvers by Chinese vessels against around 20 Filipino fishing boats near Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.
According to Philippines News Agency, in a press briefing on Monday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has already condemned the incident that happened on Dec. 12, around 70 nautical miles from mainland Palawan. Castro highlighted that the President's instruction is to prioritize the safety of Filipino fishers, whose lives are sometimes endangered.
Castro added that there have been orders for strategic deployments to monitor and provide protection to the fishers. She emphasized that Marcos supports the acquisition of additional Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels to strengthen maritime presence and called for unity in the interest of the country and the Filipinos residing in the area.
Meanwhile, the National Maritime Council (NMC) expressed alarm over the deliberate harassment and injury of Filipino fishers committed by the China Coast Guard (CCG). NMC spokesperson Undersecretary Alexander Lopez described CCG's actions as illegal, hazardous, and hostile, particularly noting that three Filipino fishers were wounded due to the strong pressure of the water cannon.
Lopez also noted that the CCG's attack damaged two fishing boats and that the incident happened well within the Philippines' 200 nautical miles exclusive economic zone (EEZ). He declared that CCG's presence in Escoda Shoal is illegal according to international law.
In response, the PCG vessels BRP Malapascua and BRP Cape Enga±o were deployed to assist and protect the affected fishers, despite being subjected to dangerous maneuvers by multiple CCG ships. The PCG vessels, together with MV Pamalakaya, reached the fishers, provided medical assistance to the injured, and delivered essential supplies.
In a separate statement, the NMC said the country "will undertake the appropriate diplomatic response" following the incident. The NMC reiterated the Philippines' commitment to defending its people and sovereign rights through diplomacy and adherence to international law, continuing to pursue peaceful, rules-based solutions in protecting Filipino fisherfolk.
The United States and Canada have condemned China's use of water cannons and the cutting of anchor lines of Filipino fishers, stating that the actions endangered civilians who were fishing for their livelihoods.
