WATCH: A China Coast Guard vessel (CCG 21559) fired a water cannon and rammed the BRP Datu Pagbuaya near Pag-asa Island this Sunday morning while the ship was assisting Filipino fishermen under the “Kadiwa para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda” program, the PCG reports.

The incident occurred after CCG and Chinese militia vessels made dangerous maneuvers around anchored BFAR ships. CCG 21559 fired at 9:15 AM and rammed the BRP Datu Pagbuaya at 9:18 AM, causing minor damage but no injuries. (Video courtesy of PCG) | via Christine Boton

Philippine Star, Facebook

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Update: I missed this one. Yesterday’s maritime incident happened near Sandy Cay, which is approximately 1.5 nautical miles from Thitu Island.

Reuters: Philippines accuses China of ramming vessel near disputed island as tensions soar

The Philippines Coast Guard said three Filipino vessels, including the BRP Datu Pagbuaya, were anchored near Thitu Island, locally known as Pag-asa Island, early on Sunday as part of a government programme to protect local fishermen when Chinese ships reportedly approached and used water cannon to intimidate them.

An hour later, a China coast guard ship allegedly fired its water cannon directly at the BRP Datu Pagbuaya before ramming its stern, causing minor damage but no injuries, the PCG said.

Manila’s coast guard and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vowed to continue their operations in the area, saying their presence is essential to safeguarding the livelihood of Filipino fishermen.

Manila Bulletin: Chinese ship rams, shoots water cannon at BFAR vessel near Pag-asa Island – PCG

PCG spokesperson for WPS Commodore Jay Tarriela said coast guard personnel aboard BRP Datu Pagbuaya and two other BFAR vessels were in the area to provide protection for Filipino fishermen as part of the “Kadiwa para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda” (KBBM) initiative when multiple CCG and Chinese maritime militia vessels approached “dangerously close” and activated their water cannons around 8:15 a.m.

Tarriela said the situation escalated at 9:15 a.m. when a CCG vessel with bow number “21559” fired its water cannon directly at BRP Datu Pagbuaya, directly hitting it.

As if that wasn’t enough, the CCG-21559 also “deliberately rammed the stern” or back portion of BRP Datu Pagbuaya at 9:18 a.m., causing minor structural damage to the BFAR vessel, Tarriela added.

Despite the aggression, the PCG official said no crew of BRP Datu Pagbuaya was injured in the incident.

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Pag-asa Island [Thitu Island] is part of the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) and is located about 480 kilometers or 300 miles west of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. It serves as the seat of the local government of Kalayaan and is one of the most strategic Philippine outposts in the WPS [South China Sea]

The August 11 SCS Incident & US-Backed Fisherfolk Collectives in the Philippines

The KBBM Program

Google AI: KBBM refers to the Kadiwa ng Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda (Kadiwa of the New Hero Fisherfolk) Program, a Philippine government initiative launched in May 2025 by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Philippine Coast Guard(PCG) to support fishermen in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) South China Sea. The program involves deploying government-funded fish carriers to buy fresh catch at sea, provide fuel and ice subsidies, and establish a supply chain to improve fishermen’s livelihoods and enhance food security in the region.

Strengthening Maritime Presence: The KBBM program helps reinforce the Philippines’ presence and sovereignty in the resource-rich West Philippine Sea South China Sea.

Kadiwa ng bagong bayaning mangingisda (KBBM) launch in Bataraza, Palawan (archived)

“Our fisherfolk have long been at the frontlines—navigating not just the waves of the sea, but also the challenges of climate change, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and foreign incursions in the West Philippine Sea,” BFAR National Director Elizer Salilig said, who also previously served as the regional director of BFAR Mimaropa.

“With the KBBM Program, they are now suitably positioned to face these challenges. More than an economic intervention, KBBM is a statement of support and recognition. Our fisherfolk are not just workers of the sea—they are caretakers of marine ecosystems, pillars of food security, and defenders of our maritime domain,” he explained.

The KBBM Program aligns with President Marcos’ vision of strengthening domestic fish supply while promoting a whole-of-nation approach to protecting and maximizing the country’s maritime resources.

“As the WPS continues to play a crucial role in national security and food sovereignty, the KBBM Program stands as a beacon of resilience, unity, and forward-looking governance encouraging more Filipinos to reclaim their rightful place in these waters and secure a better future for the nation’s fisheries sector,” the DA-BFAR said.

Kadiwa for fishers to ensure food security, boost WPS presence: Palace (archived)

The Kadiwa ng Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda (KBBM) Program for Filipino fishermen would be sustained until the end of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s term to achieve food security and intensify presence in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Malacañang said on Friday.

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Under the KBBM program of the Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, M/V MAMAMALAKAYA was deployed to the waters near Bajo de Masinloc to directly purchase fresh catch from local fishermen.

Are The KBBM Fisherfolk Armed?