China’s search, rescue ops tracked at Panatag

MANILA, Philippines — Chinese vessels on Tuesday appeared to be conducting search and rescue (SAR) operations off Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, following a collision on Monday between two Chinese ships in pursuit of a Philippine vessel sailing in the country’s own waters in the West Philippine Sea.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) also called out China for its encroachment over Panatag Shoal, called Bajo de Masinloc by locals, and the resulting accident.

China continued to stay in Philippine waters on Tuesday, in what appeared to be a SAR operation, according to maritime security expert Ray Powell.

READ: Chinese ships collide while pursuing PH vessel

Posting on X, Powell said one China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel and eight maritime militia ships were “conducting SAR ops” some 28 kilometers to 46 km (15 nautical miles to 25 nautical miles) east of Panatag.

Meanwhile, Beijing ’s damaged ship, CCG 3104, turned off its automatic identification system which transmits the vessel’s position.

Medical assistance

CCG 3104’s forecastle (forward part of a ship below the deck) was crushed after it collided with People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Warship No. 164, as both ships conducted dangerous maneuvers in pursuit of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship BRP Suluan.

The Suluan and other vessels by the PCG, Philippine Navy and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources were at Panatag to accompany Filipino fishermen trying to return to their traditional fishing grounds.

Commodore Jay Tarriela, the PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, confirmed that his agency had offered search and rescue as well as medical assistance, with both the Suluan and the BRP Teresa Magbanua contacting the damaged CCG ship but receiving no response.

He said the PCG had not received any official confirmation as of Tuesday if there were casualties from the CCG vessel.

“We have long warned the Chinese coast guard that dangerous maneuvers could lead to accidents,” Tarriela said. “We will continue to patrol our waters and ensure the safety of our fishermen.”

AFP’s options

The Armed Forces of the Philippines will soon hold a conference with the PCG to discuss future steps and strategies to China’s continued aggression in the West Philippine Sea.

At the 124th anniversary ceremony of the Philippine National Police on Tuesday, AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. told reporters that “we will also seek our President’s guidance because of what happened.”

Brawner said the deployment of a warship in the West Philippine Sea and a joint sail with the Philippines’ allies were among the AFP’s options in dealing with China.

The DFA on Tuesday noted that, despite China’s “unlawful interference” at Panatag, “The Philippines without hesitation offered medical aid and other relevant support to the Chinese side.”

But the Chinese foreign ministry on Monday maintained that Panatag Shoal, which it called Huangyan Dao, “has always been China’s territory,” adding that it was the Philippines that “seriously harmed peace and stability” in that area.

The National Maritime Council also expressed “serious concern” over the incident, saying “The Philippines will continue to assert its sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea, which includes the territorial sea of Bajo de Masinloc, and protect and support its fisherfolk ... in accordance with international law.”

‘Bravery and dedication’

On Tuesday, PCG chief Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan led an awarding ceremony at its Manila Port Area headquarters for the 43 crew members of the Suluan.

“You have proven that indeed we are the most durable point man in keeping the peace at sea,” Gavan said in his remarks to the Suluan crew under his command. “There are lots of things to do, but always keep in mind that what you’ve done, you should always remain calm, you should always remain professional yet unyielding in the face of whoever they are.”

The Suluan performed a risky maneuver as it eluded CCG 3104, which was about to train its water cannon on the PCG vessel amid a high-speed chase until it was rammed by the oncoming Chinese warship.

The Suluan was in Manila on Tuesday morning to refuel.

Gavan awarded medals and ribbons to the crew, praising their “bravery and dedication,” and also commended the PCG’s West Philippine Sea Group for its coordination and information operations. —With reports from Faith Argosino and Kathleen de Villa

(2025/08/13-05:38)

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