Three Filipino fishermen were injured and two fishing boats were damaged after Chinese vessels blasted water cannons at around 20 Filipino fishing boats at Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Friday, December 12, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

In a X (formerly Twitter) post, PCG Spokesperson for the WPS, Commodore Jay Tarriela, said the incident involved Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels 21559 and 21562, along with members of the Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM), who targeted Filipino fishermen lawfully operating in the area.

“On December 12, 2025, the PCG received reports that approximately 20 Filipino fishing boats (FFBs) operating lawfully in the area were targeted with water cannons and dangerous blocking maneuvers by CCG vessels 21559 and 21562 and accompanying CMMs,” Tarriela said.

“In a brazen escalation, small CCG Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) deliberately cut the anchor lines of several FFBs, endangering the vessels and their crews amid strong currents and high waves," he added.

The PCG said the use of water cannons, aggressive blocking maneuvers, and the cutting of anchor lines placed the fishermen in serious danger, resulting in injuries to three crew members and damage to at least two fishing boats.

Despite the hazardous conditions, PCG personnel were able to reach the affected fishermen on Saturday, providing immediate medical assistance as well as food, ice, and fuel.

The PCG also coordinated with the vessel MV Pamalakaya to help ensure the continued safety of the fishermen as they resumed their fishing activities.

Tarriela added that China later released a statement acknowledging the use of what it called “necessary control measures” against the Filipino fishermen.

“The PCG calls on the Chinese Coast Guard to adhere to internationally recognized standards of conduct, prioritizing the preservation of life at sea over pretensions of law enforcement that jeopardize the lives of innocent fishermen,” Tarriela said.