Philippines Successfully Resupplies Fishermen in Disputed South China Sea Amidst Chinese Harassment

Philippine Mission Delivers Aid to Fishermen

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) successfully completed a critical resupply mission for Filipino fishermen operating in the contested waters of the South China Sea on October 7-8, 2025. The joint operation, part of the government's 'Kadiwa sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda' initiative, aimed to provide essential provisions to approximately 100 Philippine fishing vessels near the disputed Scarborough Shoal (also known as Bajo de Masinloc) and Sabina Shoal (Escoda Shoal).

A total of 15 cutters and offshore vessels were dispatched by Manila, including the PCG's largest cutters, BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) and BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702), alongside BRP Cape San Agustin and BRP Cabra. The mission delivered vital supplies, including 98,000 liters of fuel oil, five tons of crushed ice, and 345 grocery packs, enabling fishermen to extend their operations in the area. The Department of Agriculture also procured 35 tons of freshly caught fish from fishermen at Bajo de Masinloc.

Chinese Forces Employ Intimidation Tactics

The resupply effort proceeded despite significant and persistent intimidation from Chinese forces. According to the PCG, 34 Chinese cutters and maritime militia vessels were deployed around the two shoals, engaging in 'intimidation tactics' that included shadowing and closing in on Philippine vessels. Specifically, seven China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels and 10 Chinese Maritime Militia ships were observed near Bajo de Masinloc, while eight CCG vessels and nine Maritime Militia ships were present at Escoda Shoal.

Further escalating tensions, the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) deployed the Type 054A frigate Hengyang (568), which communicated a live-fire drill notice to the Philippine vessels near Scarborough Shoal. Additionally, a PLAN Z-9 utility helicopter conducted low-altitude monitoring flights over Escoda Shoal, in what the PCG described as 'a further attempt to intimidate the fishermen.'

Context of Ongoing Maritime Dispute

This latest incident underscores the ongoing territorial dispute in the South China Sea, where China asserts expansive claims, overlapping with the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ). An international tribunal in 2016 invalidated China's claims of historic sovereign rights over parts of the sea, a ruling Beijing does not recognize. Previous confrontations have involved water cannons, dangerous maneuvers, and collisions between vessels.

PCG Commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan affirmed the Philippines' resolve, stating, 'The Philippine Coast Guard, alongside our partners at BFAR, will never back down in defending the rights and livelihoods of our Filipino fishermen.' Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, noted that the operation was a 'symbolic assertion of Philippine sovereignty and a reaffirmation of the country's commitment to defending the livelihoods of its fisherfolk.'