Chinese forces failed to water cannon Suluan after Philippine sailors maneuvered away, according to the press release. China Coast Guard cutter 3104, one of several former People’s Liberation Army Navy 056-class corvettes transferred to China’s maritime law enforcement agency, proceeded to chase the Philippine vessel alongside the PLAN 052D-class guided-missile destroyer Guilin (164) in what Tarriela described as a “risky” maneuver.
Footage taken of the incident by personnel aboard Suluan depicted the 3104 Jiangdao-class cutter crash into Guilin’s bow as the destroyer attempted to cut off the Philippine patrol vessel. The Philippine Coast Guard claimed that the collision rendered 3104 “unseaworthy” due to substantial damage to the cutter’s bow. At least two China Coast Guard sailors can be seen in the video attempting to deploy a fender between the cutter and destroyer prior to the collision. Tarriela said the Philippines immediately offered assistance for man-overboard recovery and medical support to their Chinese counterparts. It’s unclear whether any personnel from either ship were killed or injured.
Amid the Chinese Navy and Coast Guard collision, Teresa Magbanua remained on station to escort the Kadiwa mission, which then resupplied Philippine fishing vessels with fuel and provisions off Scarborough Shoal.
“The Philippine Coast Guard reaffirms its dedication to safeguarding all maritime operations in the area and wishes for the swift recovery and proper treatment of any affected CCG personnel,” Tarriela said.
In a separate statement, the Philippine Department of National Defense described the incident as “atrocious and inane behavior” and pledged their support for the Philippine Coast Guard personnel operating in the South China Sea.