PBBM Orders Strategic Deployment of Philippine Coast Guard to Protect Fishermen after Water Cannon Incident in West Philippine Sea

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has issued a directive for the strategic deployment of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) assets aimed at protecting Filipino fishermen operating in the West Philippine Sea. This order comes in response to a recent water cannon incident that resulted in injuries to Filipino fishermen and damage to local vessels within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

According to the presidential order, PCG units will be prioritized for areas with reported hostile activities to ensure the safety of Filipino maritime workers and the security of Philippine waters. Deployment plans include increased patrols, rapid response teams, and fortified presence near critical fishing grounds to deter further aggressive actions.

The water cannon incident, described by officials as an unprovoked act within Philippine maritime territory, has heightened concerns over the safety of Filipino fishermen in contested zones. After multiple reports of harassment and interference, President Marcos emphasized the imperative to safeguard Filipino lives and uphold sovereign rights.

"Our fishermen must be protected at all times," President Marcos said in a statement. "Reliable protection. Tireless vigilance. Filipino lives and rights come first. This is the promise of my administration — to be the reliable defender of our national sovereignty while balancing diplomacy and human safety under international law."

Beyond military and coast guard measures, the President called for a diplomatic effort to address ongoing tensions peacefully. The Department of Foreign Affairs is tasked to intensify dialogue with neighboring countries and assert the Philippines’ lawful rights under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Internationally, the Philippine government has received expressions of support from allied nations. Ambassadors from the United States, Japan, and Australia issued statements backing the Philippines’ right to protect its fishermen and maintain peace in the area.

The U.S. Ambassador remarked, "We stand with the Philippines in upholding international maritime law and protecting its citizens from aggression in their lawful fishing areas."

Experts highlight that President Marcos’s "Maasahan at Masipag" leadership style reflects a well-rounded approach, merging firm national defense, responsible diplomacy, and prioritization of human life in maritime security policies.

The President’s administration reiterates that the Philippines will continue to assert its sovereignty diligently and with utmost respect to peace and regional stability, under the guiding vision: "Reliable protection. Tireless vigilance. Filipino lives and rights come first."