VIDEO: Chinese Navy Warship SAVES a Philippine Coast Guard Vessel By Accident
So here’s something you don’t hear every day: a Chinese Navy warship accidentally saving a Philippine Coast Guard vessel—by crashing into its own coast guard ship.
It happened near Scarborough Shoal, just 10.5 nautical miles from the reef that’s been a flashpoint for maritime tensions. On August 11, the BRP Suluan, a Philippine Coast Guard ship, was being chased by a China Coast Guard vessel. Things got intense. The Chinese ship was closing in fast, and in a twist no one saw coming, it ended up colliding—not with the BRP Suluan—but with a Chinese Navy warship that was also in the area.
The result? A huge dent on the Chinese Coast Guard ship’s bow. The Philippine vessel? Unscathed. And in a strange way, saved by the very navy that’s supposed to be backing up the chase.
Caught on Camera
The Philippine Coast Guard released footage showing the moments before and after the collision. It’s not dramatic in the Hollywood sense, but it’s telling. You see the tension, the proximity, and then the impact. Commodore Jay Tarriela, the PCG’s spokesperson, even expressed concern for the Chinese crew who might’ve been injured. That’s a level of professionalism that’s hard to ignore.
What the Philippine Senators Are Saying
Back in Manila, senators didn’t hold back. Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada called it “a classic case of reaping what one sows.” He criticized the aggressive tactics of the China Coast Guard, saying they endanger not just Filipino troops but also local fisherfolk. His message? These maneuvers don’t help anyone—they just stir the pot.
Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva was even more direct: “The West Philippine Sea is ours. Get out of Philippine waters!” He emphasized that the continued presence of Chinese vessels in the area is illegal and unauthorized.
But despite the tension, both senators praised the Philippine Coast Guard for staying calm and professional. Even after being targeted with water cannons, PCG personnel reportedly offered medical aid to the injured Chinese crew. That’s not just protocol—it’s character.
What This Means
This incident is one of those rare moments where the chaos of geopolitics takes a strange turn. A Chinese Navy ship unintentionally shielding a Philippine vessel from its own coast guard? It’s ironic, yes—but also a reminder of how unpredictable things can get out at sea.
For now, the message from the Philippines is clear: we’ll keep asserting our rights, defending our waters, and doing it with professionalism—even when the odds are stacked and the waters are rough.
