Chinese vessel runs aground near Pag-asa Island

June 8, 2025 , 06:50 PM

By Gabriel Kim Leal

(June 8, 2025) – A Chinese fishing vessel ran aground near Pag-asa Island on Saturday amid rough seas and inclement weather, prompting concerns from residents, Philippine military officials said on Sunday.

The incident was reported to the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Command around 3 p.m., according to Capt. Ellaine Collado, spokesperson for the Naval Forces West.

“Eventually, may naging actions ang ating PCG [Philippine Coast Guard]. Nag-deploy sila ng force o pwersa nila para i-check kung totoong nabahura ba ang vessel na iyon,” said Collado.

The vessel was freed around 5:30 p.m., reportedly with help from two other Chinese fishing vessels.

In a phone interview interview, Kalayaan, Palawan councilor and incoming vice mayor Maurice Philip Albayda said some residents noticed what appeared to be floating objects left behind.

“Tumagal daw ‘yun doon, tapos naaalis siya mga 5:30 na ng hapon,” he said. “May mga naiwan pa nga raw na parang floating buoy or anchor.”

Albayda said residents first spotted the stranded vessel early Saturday morning near the eastern side of Pag-asa Island.

“Low tide daw nung mag-ran aground doon ‘yung vessel na ‘yun,” Albayda said. “Tapos may humilang dalawang Chinese fishing militia rin tapos paatras ‘yung hila nila nung nabahurang barko.”

Photos circulating online show what appears to be a Chinese maritime militia vessel, which is similar to those previously seen shadowing or blocking Philippine ships in the West Philippine Sea.

Still, authorities said there was no immediate threat to Philippine sovereignty.

Western Command officials believe bad weather may have caused the grounding. Collado emphasized that the AFP stands ready to help distressed vessels, regardless of nationality.

“Mukhang distressed po ang condition ng vessel, so ready to respond ang ating AFP kung anuman ang maitutulong para sa vessel,” added Collado. “Sa AFP, we prioritize the safety ng ating mga kababayan, pati kahit anong nationality, basta nangangailangan, especially diyan sa maritime areas.”

Despite concerns, the Philippine Navy said the incident does not appear to be a security threat, noting that the presence of Chinese fishing vessels near Pag-asa Island is common due to its proximity to Subi Reef, a Chinese-occupied outpost.

(With reports from Bryan Castillo, News5 correspondent)

(AGD)

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