MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has reaffirmed its commitment to conduct scientific research missions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), undeterred by repeated aggressive actions from the China Coast Guard (CCG).
BFAR spokesperson Nazario Briguera emphasized during the Saturday News Forum that the agency would not back down from its mandate. His statement followed an incident where a CCG vessel used a water cannon and sideswiped two BFAR ships—BRP Datu Sanday and BRP Datu Pagbuaya—during a sand sampling operation near Pag-asa Cay 2.
“This isn’t the first time our vessels have been harassed, and we won’t be deterred. We are working in our own waters,” Briguera stated.
Despite the interference, the BFAR’s scientific team successfully completed its mission in Pag-asa Cays 1, 2, and 3. The incident occurred within Philippine territorial waters in the Kalayaan Island Group, affirming the country’s legal right to conduct marine research in the area.
The CCG, meanwhile, accused the Philippine side of illegal intrusion and claimed the collision was caused by the Philippine vessel. Briguera dismissed the allegation and said the Philippines would present clear evidence of China’s provocative actions.
He also noted that the incident caused damage worth thousands, possibly millions, of pesos to the Philippine vessels, which would undergo inspection and assessment upon return to base.