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3 Filipino fishermen hurt in Chinese water cannon attack off Escoda Shoal - PCG

Manila Bulletin

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December 14, 2025

Three fishermen were injured after Chinese vessels fired water cannons and carried out dangerous maneuvers against Filipino fishing boats near Escoda (Sabina) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) revealed Saturday, Dec. 13.

- By MARTIN SADONGDONG

PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela said the incident occurred on Friday, Dec. 12, while around 20 Filipino fishing boats were operating off Escoda Shoal, which is located just 75 nautical miles or about 140 kilometers off Palawan, within the 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the country.

Tarriela said the fishermen were allegedly harassed by China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels with bow numbers “21559” and “21562” along with several Chinese maritime militia (CMM) boats.

High-pressure water cannon blasts injured the three fishermen and left them with bruises and open wounds while two fishing boats also sustained damage.

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