Tensions Escalate

West Philippine Sea Maritime Operations

Manila, Philippines – Over the past three days, the West Philippine Sea (WPS) has witnessed heightened tensions as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) conducted operations to support Filipino fishermen, clashing with Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels. The incidents underscore ongoing disputes in the contested waters within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

On June 15, 2025, the PCG and BFAR successfully laid floating aggregate devices (FADs), or payaos, at Hasa Hasa and Kanduli Shoals to aid Palawan fishermen. Despite the operation’s success, CCG ships performed “dangerous maneuvers,” tailing and blocking Philippine vessels, raising safety concerns (GMA News Online, 2025). Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for WPS, confirmed the deployment of three 44-meter PCG vessels to support the mission, emphasizing the Philippines’ commitment to safeguarding maritime rights (Philippine Information Agency, 2025).

On June 16, a maritime confrontation unfolded 60 miles off Palawan, near Half Moon Shoal. Three CCG ships challenged a Philippine contingent, including two PCG cutters and a BFAR patrol vessel escorting a fishing boat, escalating fears of miscalculation that could invoke the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty (Newsweek, 2025). Posts on X reflected public alarm, noting CCG vessels disabling tracking systems, signaling aggressive posturing within the Philippines’ EEZ (@MinhDr18, 2025).

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) denied claims of a joint China-led patrol, asserting no coordinated Chinese military movements were monitored (RMN Networks, 2025). These events highlight Manila’s resolve to assert sovereignty amid Beijing’s expansive claims, with 89% of Filipinos now aware of WPS issues, per PCG surveys (Maritime Fairtrade, 2025).

References
GMA News Online. (2025, June 18). ‘Dangerous maneuvers’ performed by CCG. GMA News.
Newsweek. (2025, June 17). ‘Confrontation’ in South China Sea. Newsweek.
RMN Networks. (2025, June 17). Sinasabing joint patrol ng China sa WPS, itinanggi ng AFP. RMN Networks.
Maritime Fairtrade. (2025, June 17). 2028 Philippine presidential election. Maritime Fairtrade.
Philippine Information Agency. (2025, June 18). Sabayang Interview with Commodore Jay Tarriela [Post]. X.
@MinhDr18. (2025, June 16). CCG are operating alarmingly close to Palawan [Post]. X.