China's water cannon attack on Scarborough Shoal leads to injuries among Philippine personnel
In a tense turn of events in the South China Sea, the Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) vessel, the BRP Datu Gumbay Piang, was targeted in a water cannon attack by two Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) ships.
The incident occurred around 14 nautical miles off Bajo de Masinloc, or Scarborough Shoal, a contentious area claimed by China in its entirety. The shoal is within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone and has been controlled by China since 2012 following a standoff.
The BRP Datu Gumbay Piang was on a mission to aid Filipino fishermen as part of the Kadiwa para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda program. However, on Tuesday, it was obstructed in its movements by two CCG ships, with bow numbers 5301 and 21562, one of which also used a water cannon against the Philippine vessel.
The water cannon attack lasted for about 29 minutes, causing significant damage to the BRP Datu Gumbay Piang. Shattered glass, damage to cabin partitions, a short circuit, and damage to five outdoor air conditioning units were among the damages sustained. One personnel from DA-BFAR also sustained injuries due to the shattered glass.
In addition to this, a Chinese maritime militia vessel harassed the BRP Datu Gumbay Piang through hazardous maneuvers and an "attempted" use of water cannons.
China has plans to establish a "nature reserve" in Scarborough Shoal, a move opposed by the Philippines, the United States, and other allies. The Philippine government, however, is responsible for the plan to establish a nature reserve in Scarborough Shoal.
It is important to note that this is not the first time tensions have escalated in this area. In early August, two Chinese ships from the navy and CCG collided near Scarborough Shoal while trying to chase a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship.
Despite the hostile actions, the BRP Datu Gumbay Piang successfully maneuvered away from the CCG vessels and continued its mission to provide fuel and supplies to Filipino fishermen. The Philippine government has yet to make a formal statement regarding the incident.
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