The Philippine vessel BRP Datu Dumangsil was conducting a support mission for Filipino fishing communities when a Chinese coast guard ship moved closer and fired a water cannon, resulting in an indirect hit. During the encounter, another Chinese vessel carried out a risky maneuver in front of a second Philippine ship, further escalating the situation in the contested waters.
PCG AND BFAR SUSTAIN FUEL SUBSIDY MISSION FOR FILIPINO FISHERFOLK AT BAJO DE MASINLOC DESPITE CHINA COAST GUARD WATER CANNON AND DANGEROUS MANEUVERS
— Jay Tarriela (@jaytaryela) July 23, 2026
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) deployed vessels in support of the… pic.twitter.com/NFMMpyg5zI
No injuries were reported during the confrontation, and the Philippine support mission continued successfully. The fuel and food subsidies were delivered to the fishing boats by mid-morning despite the presence of a strong Chinese maritime force in the area.
Both countries defended their respective positions following the incident. China stated that its actions were part of a lawful operation to remove foreign vessels from waters it claims as its own. The Philippines, however, maintained that it was exercising its rights in the area under the 2016 arbitral ruling, which Manila recognizes but Beijing rejects.
The latest confrontation highlights the continuing dispute between China and the Philippines over maritime rights and access around Scarborough Shoal. The encounter has increased concerns over repeated maritime incidents involving vessels from both nations as they continue to assert their claims in the strategically important region.
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