President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the deployment of more Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) patrol vessels to protect Filipino fishermen following the latest Chinese water cannon attack in Philippine waters.
Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President directed strategic deployments to safeguard fishermen facing harassment by the China Coast Guard, particularly in the West Philippine Sea.
She added that Marcos supports the purchase of additional coast guard vessels to strengthen maritime protection and defend national interests.
The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed it filed a diplomatic protest over the Dec. 12 incident near Escoda (Sabina) Shoal off Palawan, where several Filipino boats were targeted, and three fishermen were injured.
The incident drew condemnation from the National Maritime Council and foreign governments, including the United States, European Union, Canada, Germany, and Australia, which urged China to respect international law.
Source: PhilNews24 | December 16, 2025
