Statement of the National Maritime Council on the harassments of Filipino fishermen at Escoda Shoal, West Philippines Sea

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The National Maritime Council (NMC) expresses alarm over the recent harassment and endangerment of Filipino artisanal fishers conducting normal activities in Escoda Shoal, 70 nautical miles from mainland Palawan province and well-within the Philippines’ 200 nautical miles exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

On 12 December 2025, small-scale subsistence fishers, aboard around twenty (20) Filipino fishing boats, fishing peacefully and lawfully within the Philippines’ EEZ, were met with water cannons, hazardous blocking maneuvers, and hostile acts by the China Coast Guard Vessels, including the deliberate cutting of Filipino fishing boats’ anchor lines. These acts placed the lives of these Filipino artisanal fishers at greater risk, adding further danger to the already difficult sea conditions. It is deeply regrettable that three Filipino fishers suffered physical injuries, and two fishing boats were damaged.

The Philippine government promptly responded by deploying Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels BRP Malapascua (MRRV-4403) and BRP Cape Engaño (MRRV-4411) to assist and protect the affected fishers. As these PCG vessels carried out their humanitarian and safety mission, they were repeatedly subjected to dangerous maneuvers and close-range approaches by multiple China Coast Guard (CCG) ships, including a particularly hazardous nighttime incident.

Despite these challenges, the PCG vessels, together with MV Pamalakaya, reached the fishers, provided medical assistance to the injured, and delivered essential supplies that included fuel, food, water and ice to ensure their safety and allow them to continue their work without fear, in line with the government’s KADIWA para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda (KBBM) initiative, as directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

The CCG’s public statement citing the use of “necessary control measures” is deeply troubling. Any measure that involves water cannons, dangerous maneuvers, and actions that cause injury and damage to small, wooden civilian fishing boats cannot be justified, particularly when undertaken against subsistence fishers peacefully fishing in the Philippines’ EEZ.

The Philippines will undertake the appropriate diplomatic response and register its strong objection to these actions and demand that China cease such aggressive acts. The country is firmly committed to defend our people and our sovereign rights, guided by diplomacy and adherence to international law.

We call on the CCG, in particular, to act responsibly, adhere to international standards of conduct, and place the preservation of life at sea above actions that sow fear and endanger civilians.

We reiterate that the Philippines will continue to pursue peaceful, rules-based solutions in protecting the rights, safety, and dignity of its fishers.