MANILA – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has rejected China’s narrative of a “humanitarian rescue” involving a People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA-N) warship and a Filipino fisherman off Zambales on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025, calling the aid a minimal gesture while questioning the warship’s unauthorized presence in Philippine waters.
The incident involved fisherman Larry Tumalis, whose boat departed Subic on December 24 around 3 p.m. for a routine trip. By December 25, he was spotted approximately 71 nautical miles west of Silanguin Island, Zambales—well within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ)—near a payao (fish aggregating device).
What Happened: Conflicting Accounts
- Chinese Version (via Embassy Facebook post and video): A PLA-N Luyang III-class destroyer (hull 174) spotted Tumalis “stranded for three days due to engine failure,” launched a rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB), and provided “essential food and water” while coordinating with PCG for follow-up.
- PCG Version: Tumalis was adrift less than 24 hours (not three days). He became frightened when the warship launched its RHIB, prompting him to scrape engine carbon and write “HELP ME” on his boat. The Chinese provided one bottle of water and three packs of biscuits—a gesture PCG sarcastically acknowledged as contrasting China’s usual “barbaric, illegal, coercive” actions against Filipino fishers.
PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela stated: “We acknowledge and appreciate the humanitarian gesture… [but] the PLAN destroyer had no legitimate reason to operate within the Philippines’ EEZ.” He warned against exploiting the incident for propaganda and noted no prior coordination from China despite their claims.
The PCG deployed BRP Cape San Agustin at 10:55 a.m. on December 25, locating Tumalis by 2:15 p.m. He was safely moored to his payao, awaiting his mother boat FBCA Gavin, and turned over without issues.
Broader Context: South China Sea Tensions
The event occurs amid escalating maritime disputes, weeks after Chinese Coast Guard vessels allegedly water-cannoned Filipino fishers at Escoda Shoal (December 12, injuring three). It highlights China’s frequent incursions into Philippine waters, despite the 2016 arbitral ruling affirming Manila’s rights.
While the aid was minimal and unsolicited, the PCG views it as overshadowed by the warship’s illegal presence—another flashpoint in the West Philippine Sea.
Incident Snapshot:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | December 25, 2025 |
| Location | ~71 NM west of Silanguin Island, Zambales (PH EEZ) |
| Fisherman | Larry Tumalis (adrift <24 hours) |
| Chinese Aid | 1 bottle water + 3 biscuit packs |
| PCG Action | Located & rescued within hours |