The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday confirmed that BRP Datu Pagbuhaya, a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel, sustained minor damage following a reported collision and water cannon attack by the China Coast Guard (CCG), but its seaworthiness and navigational capability remain intact.

In a press conference, PCG spokesperson for WPS Commodore Jay Tarriela said the vessel only sustained non-critical damage, including damaged stanchions and wreckage on its deck, but nothing that compromised its operations.

“Well, according to the initial report, it is not significant to say that it has affected the seaworthiness of BRP Datu Pagbuaya. It has some stanchions and the wreckage on its deck, but not so significant that you can say it has affected its navigation,” Tarriela told reporters.

The incident, which took place near Pagasa Island on Sunday, involved aggressive actions by the China Coast Guard, including the use of water cannons and what the PCG confirmed was an intentional ramming with the Philippine vessel.

“Yes, there was water cannoning and even a collision,” Tarriela said.

He emphasized that the latest confrontation occurred within 1.6 to 1.8 nautical miles of Pagasa Island, which lies well within the Philippines’ 12-nautical-mile territorial sea, making the CCG’s actions not only hostile but also a clear violation of Philippine sovereignty.