China Coast Guard Intimidates Filipino Fishermen at Scarborough Shoal

The Philippine Coast Guard deployed vessels to Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc) on March 24 after more than 20 Filipino fishing boats reported harassment by Chinese Coast Guard vessels including CCG-21605, CCG-3107, and CCG-3103. The CCG did not use water cannons in this incident but deployed rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) to approach and intimidate Filipino fishermen within the traditional fishing grounds. The intervention prevented the fishermen from accessing the shoal lagoon. The PCG confirmed its response and documented the incident for a diplomatic protest. The harassment came on the same day President Marcos publicly called for resumed energy cooperation with China.