The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) rejects misleading claims circulating online that portray Filipino fishermen as aggressors or suggest that reported injuries were fabricated. These narratives are inconsistent with verified information from Philippine maritime authorities and misrepresent the circumstances involving unarmed civilian fishing vessels in the West Philippine Sea.
Filipino fishing boats operating near Escoda (Sabina) Shoal were conducting lawful livelihood activities when they were subjected to high-pressure water cannon use, dangerous blocking maneuvers, and other hazardous actions by China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels and accompanying ships. These actions resulted in injuries to Filipino fishermen and damage to civilian boats. Escoda Shoal lies well within the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone under UNCLOS, where Filipino fishermen have sovereign rights to operate. Any interference by foreign vessels in this area is unlawful, while attempts to label fishermen as “maritime militia” or instigators are deceptive and unsupported by evidence.
The AFP reiterates its commitment to protecting Filipino civilians at sea, upholding international law, and countering disinformation through verified facts and transparency. The public is urged to remain discerning and rely only on information released through official and transparent channels.
