A Chinese Coast Guard vessel uses water cannon at a BFAR ship during a resupply mission at Escoda Shoal, August 25, 2024. ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- Personnel of the Bureau of Fisheries and  Aquatic Resources (BFAR) are assessing the structural damage incurred by the BRP Datu Sanday, after it was rammed by a Chinese Coast Guard vessel while on its way to Escoda Shoal on Sunday afternoon.

According to Commodore Jay Tarriela, the spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, aside from ramming the BFAR vessel, Chinese vessels also fired water cannon at the BRP Datu Sanday, which damaged its navigation equipment.

China coast guard vessel with bow number 21551 and 21555 rammed BRP Datu Sanday, while China coast guard vessel with bow number 4103 employed water cannon, said Tarriela.

READ: Chinese vessels ram, fire water cannon at BFAR ship at Escoda Shoal

"Ang naging impact nang pag-water cannon sa ating BFAR vessel ay tinamaan ang kanilang navigation equipment," said Tarriela. "As a matter of fact, it took us a while bago makapag-establish ng radio communication sa barko ng BFAR."

"We can fairly say that this is the first time that we were able to see so much number of Chinese coast guard vessels na humarang sa BFAR," he said. "Dahil alam naman natin, sa mga nakaraang operasyon natin sa Bajo de Masinloc and in Ayungin Shoal, tumataas ang bilang ng China coast guard vessels."

"Pero they are doing that to counter the movement of the Coast Guard, not the BFAR vessel," Tarriela explained.

"Nang tumawid sila sa southern part ng Escoda Shoal, sinalubong na sila ng mahigit kumulang na limang China coast guard vessels. Ito 'yung 21551, 21555, 4202, 4103, 3104," he added.

Aside from the China coast guard vessels, a People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) was also seen near the BFAR vessel.

According to Tarriela, Chinese maritime militia vessels also participated in the harassment by conducting dangerous maneuvers against BRP Datu Sanday.

READ: Task force denies PH personnel were rescued by Chinese coast guard

The BRP Datu Sanday is now on its way to a rendezvous point in the West Philippine Sea with another BFAR vessel, Tarriel said.

"Kaya pa naman niyang bumiyahe," he assured. "As I said, ang tinamaan lang naman dito ang communication equipment niya."

"However, itong radio communication capability ng BFAR vessel remains to be operational, but definitely, it's still seaworthy. Wala naman siyang substantial damage as a result of the ramming incident," he added.

BRP Datu Sanday was in Hasa-Hasa Shoal in the West Philippine Sea to give fuel, food and other supplies to Filipino fishermen.

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