MANILA — The Marcos administration is moving to accelerate the expansion of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) fleet following an incident in the West Philippine Sea (WPS that left Filipino fishermen injured after Chinese vessels allegedly used water cannons and dangerous maneuvers within the country’s exclusive economic zone.
Malacañang confirmed that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has thrown his full support behind acquiring more Coast Guard vessels, stressing the need to protect Filipino fishermen amid continuing tensions in contested waters.
The Palace reaction came after the PCG reported that Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia ships blasted Filipino fishing boats with high-pressure water cannons on Saturday, injuring three fishermen and damaging two vessels. The fishermen reportedly suffered bruises and open wounds as a result of the incident.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro condemned the actions and said the President has ordered heightened protective measures for Filipino fishermen operating in strategic maritime areas.
“Ipinag-utos din na magkaroon ng deployment sa mga strategic location para po mabantayan at mabigyan ng proteksiyon ang ating mga mangingisda,” Castro said during a media briefing.
She said Marcos has backed the procurement of additional Coast Guard vessels to strengthen maritime patrols and monitoring capabilities.
“Sinusuportahan po ng Pangulo ang pagbili ng mga coast guard vessels para mas marami po ang makapagbantay din po sa ating interes at interes ng ating mga kababayan. At ito ho ang panahon upang ang bawat Pilipino ay magkaisa, iangat ang interes ng bansa natin, iangat ang interes ng kapuwa Pilipino natin,” she added.
Castro said it would be up to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to decide whether the Philippines will file a diplomatic protest against China over the incident.
The government has already begun reinforcing the Coast Guard’s assets. In May 2024, the DFA announced that the Philippines agreed to acquire five multi-role response vessels from Japan under a deal valued at more than $400 million.
Under the agreement, Japan will extend a loan worth 64.38 billion yen to finance the purchase of 97-meter patrol ships and the construction of related support facilities.
Beyond the Coast Guard, the Marcos administration has also been pursuing broader defense partnerships. In November, the President met with executives of South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean to explore possible submarine construction, technology transfer, and collaboration with local industries aimed at strengthening the country’s self-reliant defense capabilities.
The push to modernize maritime and defense forces comes amid continued reports of Chinese incursions and rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea, where the Philippines has repeatedly asserted its sovereign rights./PN
