The China Coast Guard (CCG) harassed and executed dangerous maneuvers on Philippine civilian supply boats in another attempt to impede a routine Philippine resupply mission, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Sunday.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela said the Chinese vessels engaged in "reckless and dangerous harassment at close range," including deploying a water cannon and ramming a Philippine supply boat.

"Regular RORE to BRP SIERRA MADRE this morning. BRP CABRA, Unaizah Mae 1, and M/L Kalayaan water cannoned by China Coast Guard. M/L Kalayaan suffered serious engine damage. Contrary to China Coast Guard disinformation, (Unaizah Mae 1) rammed by CCG vessel," Tarriela wrote in a separate post.

The National Task Force for West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) then mentioned that PCG vessel BRP Sindangan (MRRV-4407) is safely towing M/L Kalayaan back to Ulugan Bay, Palawan. Additionally, BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) sustained damage to its mast after being directly targeted by the CCG's water cannon.

Despite the Chinese harassment, the supply vessel UM1 successfully reached BRP Sierra Madre, and resupply operations are ongoing as of writing.

The latest incident occurred amid the departure of approximately 40 Philippine vessels forming a Christmas convoy heading towards the contested shoal.

More than 200 fishermen, youth leaders, and civil society organizations have participated in this initiative orchestrated by the Atin Ito (This is Ours) campaign network, a civilian-driven advocacy aimed at affirming the Philippines' territorial rights in the South China Sea.

The latest incident also marked the second collision between Philippine and Chinese vessels since October near Second Thomas Shoal. This uninhabited shoal falls within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone and hosts Filipino soldiers residing on an aged warship deliberately grounded in 1999 to safeguard Manila's assertions in the contested waterway.

NTF-WPS condemns latest incident

The NTF-WPS also condemned the latest actions of the Chinese forces, which included CCG vessel 5204 deploying a water cannon against the Philippine supply vessel M/L Kalayaan, causing severe damage to the vessel's engines.

"This reckless and dangerous act by the CCG has put the lives of our crew members at risk," Tarriela said. "The disabling of M/L Kalayaan is a deliberate attempt to disrupt our legitimate resupply mission and intimidate our personnel," he added.

Tarriela, citing NTF-WPS, reiterated that Avungin Shoal is within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf, as confirmed by the UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award.

He also emphasized that Avungin Shoal is a low-tide elevation that cannot be claimed as sovereign territory or appropriated under international law. Therefore, China's actions are illegal and illegitimate.

Furthermore, Tarriela said the Task Force expressed grave concern over China's deliberate disinformation and its consistent pattern of illegal and irresponsible actions, raising serious doubts about its commitment to peaceful dialogue.

"Peace and stability cannot be achieved without respecting the legitimate rights of others," Tarriela said.

"We demand that China demonstrate its responsibility and trustworthiness as a member of the international community," he added.