A sharp escalation unfolded in the South China Sea near the disputed Scarborough Shoal, where Chinese vessels confronted Filipino fishing boats, prompting a rapid response from Philippine authorities, according to the Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela on March 24.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) deployed two coast guard vessels and five patrol ships after Chinese forces began harassing more than 20 Filipino fishing boats operating within the country’s exclusive economic zone.
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The deployment was carried out immediately following the incidents to protect fishermen and ensure they could continue operating safely.
He added that the joint PCG-BFAR mission also provided direct support to the fishermen, including fuel subsidies, food supplies, and ice to help extend their time at sea and offset rising costs.
BREAKING:
Major confrontation between China and the Philippines near the Scarborough Shoal.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) have deployed 2 PCG vessels and 5 fishery patrol vessels to the shoal after Chinese Coast Guard… pic.twitter.com/iEw9cIbPq1
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) March 24, 2026
A maritime surveillance flight was also launched over the area as part of the operation. According to Tarriela, the flight documented a significant Chinese presence, including six China Coast Guard vessels, 20 maritime militia ships, and one People’s Liberation Army Navy warship operating nearby.
Tarriela noted that, for the first time, Philippine authorities recorded a Chinese Coast Guard vessel broadcasting over the radio its intention to conduct a “clearing operation” within a defined area near the shoal, specifying exact coordinates.
He emphasized that the Philippine Coast Guard remains committed to supporting the government’s efforts to defend national sovereignty and maritime rights in the West Philippine Sea.
— Jay Tarriela (@jaytaryela) March 23, 2026
The spokesperson also stressed that the agency would continue to act in accordance with international law while protecting the safety and livelihoods of Filipino fishermen from what he described as external threats and harassment.
Scarborough Shoal and Panatag Shoal are coral atolls/reefs with an inner lagoon and several rocks above high tide, located between Macclesfield Bank to the west and Luzon to the east. Luzon is 220 kilometres (119 nmi) away and the nearest landmass.
🚨🇵🇭🇨🇳 BREAKING:
China harassed more than 20 Filipino fishing boats in disputed waters near Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal).
In response, the Philippines deployed 7 vessels — including Philippine Coast Guard and BFAR patrol boats — to protect the fishermen and deliver… pic.twitter.com/fDPuZsJNVu
— WAR (@warsurv) March 24, 2026
The atoll is a disputed territory claimed by the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of China, and the Republic of the Philippines.
Since the 2012 standoff, the feature has been under de facto Chinese control, with a continuous China Coast Guard presence regulating access at the lagoon entrance; no permanent structures have been built on the feature.
Earlier, a Chinese Type 815 Dongdiao-class intelligence vessel was observed trailing joint United States and Australian naval exercises within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
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