The Philippine Coast Guard says at least one personnel from the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources was sustained injuries from shattered glass after the China Coast Guard used water cannons against the BRP Datu Gumbay Piang during a mission to assist Filipino fisherfolk some 4 nautical miles east of Scarborough Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea on Tuesday, September 16. The PCG says the BRP Datu Gumbay Piang sustained “significant damage” to include “shattered glass from the aft window of the bridge, damage to the captain’s cabin partitions, and a short circuit affecting electrical outlets and five outdoor air conditioning units.” Chinese maritime militia vessels harassed the BFAR ship. The PCG also notes that a Chinese navy ship “issued a radio broadcast announcing live fire exercises at specified coordinates.” “This declaration caused significant panic and fear among Filipino fishermen in the area,” says the PCG.
