The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) reaffirmed that Philippine vessels will continue their mission near Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal despite China's recent actions against government ships.

The task force condemned the China Coast Guard (CCG) for firing water cannons at Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessels during the Kadiwa ng Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda program, which supports Filipino fisherfolk.

The NTF-WPS emphasized that the mission is a legitimate public service to uphold traditional fishing rights recognized under international law, including the 2016 South China Sea arbitral award.

The task force warned that China's coercive actions cannot overturn the binding ruling and urged compliance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).The mission remains within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ), where China has maintained control since 2012.

The NTF-WPS reiterated its commitment to protecting Filipino fishermen, asserting Philippine sovereignty, and implementing the arbitral award responsibly.The incident highlights ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, with China rejecting the 2016 ruling that invalidated its expansive maritime claims.