Two Filipino Fishermen Injured in Boat Explosion near Scarborough Shoal
MANILA, Philippines — Two Filipino fishermen sustained injuries after their fishing boat’s engine exploded near Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) on Saturday, as reported by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
The PCG stated that the boat sank at 3 p.m. on Saturday following the engine explosion. Rear Admiral Armand Balilo, spokesperson for the PCG, mentioned that rescue operations were carried out promptly and medical care was provided to the injured fishers.
During the incident, two Chinese vessels were sighted in the area, as confirmed by the PCG. The agency has not yet responded to requests for further information and comments regarding the incident.
Chinese vessels have been observed in parts of the West Philippine Sea (WPS), often hindering PCG operations and at times harassing Filipino fishermen. In a previous incident on June 17, a member of the Philippine Navy lost a thumb in a clash with Chinese coast guard members wielding weapons at Ayungin Shoal in the WPS.
This aggression by the China Coast Guard has been labeled as “aggressive and illegal use of force” by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. However, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin clarified that this does not trigger the mutual defense treaty between the United States and the Philippines, despite the provocations.
The situation is still unfolding, and updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
