Overview

• During a pursuit off Scarborough Shoal, China Coast Guard cutter 3104 executed a risky maneuver chasing BRP Suluan and crashed into PLAN destroyer 164, sustaining forecastle damage that left it unseaworthy.
• Philippine Coast Guard video shows the crippled cutter afloat with its bow crumpled and crew members visible before the impact.
• Spokesman Jay Tarriela said BRP Suluan earlier evaded a Chinese water cannon attack and that Chinese crews declined Manila’s offer of assistance after the collision.
• Coast guard spokesperson Gan Yu described China’s actions as lawful measures to drive away Philippine vessels but did not acknowledge any collision, and the foreign ministry offered no comment.
• President Marcos pledged that Philippine patrols will continue escorting aid to fishing boats to defend the country’s sovereign rights in the contested waters.