MANILA, Philippines: The Philippines is launching an investigation into a maritime incident that resulted in the tragic death of three Filipino fishermen and the sinking of their boat in the South China Sea, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on Wednesday.
“We assure the victims, their families, and everyone that we will exert every effort to hold accountable those who are responsible for this unfortunate maritime incident,” Marcos stated on the X social media platform.
According to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the incident occurred when an unidentified foreign commercial vessel rammed the fishing boat while it was moored in the South China Sea. The boat was situated 15 nautical kilometers northwest of the disputed Scarborough Shoal. Fortunately, eleven crew members managed to survive as the boat sank.
“The incident is still under investigation to ascertain the details and circumstances surrounding the collision between the fishing boat and a still unidentified commercial vessel,” Marcos affirmed.
He urged patience, saying, “Let us allow the PCG to do its job and investigate, and let us refrain from engaging in speculation in the meantime.”
Tensions in the South China Sea have recently escalated after the Philippines reported the removal of a 300-meter ball-buoy barrier installed by China’s coast guard near the Scarborough Shoal. This area is a prime fishing spot and one of the most disputed maritime features in Asia.
The Scarborough Shoal, named after a British cargo vessel that ran aground there in the 18th century, falls within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. However, it was seized by China in 2012, and China has maintained a constant presence of coast guard ships and fishing trawlers in the region ever since.
China has rejected the Philippines’ account of events related to the barrier, while the United States has expressed support for Manila and its commitment to honouring treaty obligations to defend its ally in case of an attack.
The Philippine Coast Guard has not provided further details about the incident or the vessel that allegedly rammed the Filipino crew.
