Isang barko ng Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) ang sadyang bumangga at nagpakawala ng water cannon sa isang barko ng Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) na nakadaong sa karagatang sakop ng Pag-asa (Thitu) Island sa West Philippine Sea (WPS) nitong Linggo ng umaga, Oktubre 12, ayon sa ulat ng Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

Ayon sa X post ni Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commodore Jay Tarriela, tatlong barko ng BFAR, kabilang ang BRP Datu Pagbuaya, ang nakadaong malapit sa isla nang lumapit ang mga barko ng China Coast Guard (CCG) at Chinese Maritime Militia.

"The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) have reaffirmed their strong commitment to protecting Filipino fishermen in the Kalayaan Island Group, vowing to remain undeterred despite aggressive harassment and direct threats from Chinese vessels in the territorial waters of Pag-asa Island," aniya, nitong 10:32 ng umaga ng Linggo, Oktubre 12.

Salaysay niya, "This morning, while three BFAR vessels, including the BRP Datu Pagbuaya, were safely anchored in the territorial waters of Pag-asa Island to provide protection for Filipino fishermen as part of the 'Kadiwa para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda' (KBBM), they faced dangerous and provocative maneuvers from the China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese Maritime Militia vessels. Around 8:15 a.m., the Chinese maritime forces approached dangerously close, activating their water cannons as a clear threat against the BFAR vessels."

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"The situation escalated at approximately 9:15 a.m. when CCG vessel with bow number 21559 fired its water cannon directly at the BRP Datu Pagbuaya, hitting the vessel. Just three minutes later, at 9:18 a.m., the same CCG vessel deliberately rammed the stern of the BRP Datu Pagbuaya, causing minor structural damage but no injuries to the crew."

Matibay naman ang loob ng PCG at BFAR na protektahan ang mga mangingisdang Pilipino laban sa intimidasyong ito.

"Despite these bullying tactics and aggressive actions, the PCG and BFAR remain resolute. We will not be intimidated or driven away, as our presence in the Kalayaan Island Group is crucial for protecting the rights and livelihoods of Filipino fishermen."

Saad naman daw ni PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, "The harassment we faced today only strengthens our resolve. Filipino fisherfolk depend on these waters, and neither water cannons nor ramming will deter us from fulfilling our commitment to President Ferdinand Marcos to not surrender a square inch of our territory to any foreign power."