A CHINA Coast Guard vessel blasted a Philippine government ship with a water cannon for more than two minutes while it was conducting a fuel and food mission for Filipino fishermen near Bajo de Masinloc, Philippine authorities said on Thursday.
Officials said the Chinese vessel maneuvered dangerously close to BRP Datu Dumangsil before directing a sustained water cannon attack against the vessel, which was carrying out what the Philippines described as a lawful mission to deliver assistance to local fishermen.
Despite the incident, the mission was completed and no personnel were injured, authorities said.
The operation was part of the Philippine government’s continuing efforts to provide fuel and food assistance to Filipino fishermen operating around Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal.
Philippine authorities condemned the latest incident, saying it was another act of harassment against lawful Philippine operations in the West Philippine Sea.
The incident came just days after a Philippine Navy sailor was assaulted by Chinese personnel during an encounter at Ayungin Shoal. IZEL ABANILLA
