THE government is consolidating reports from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Armed Forces’ Western Command to form the basis for a diplomatic protest against China following a water cannon incident involving Chinese vessels near Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. According to the PCG, three Filipino fishermen were injured after Chinese Coast Guard ships fired water cannons and carried out dangerous maneuvers against their fishing boats. The fishermen were reportedly knocked down by the force of the blasts and struck hard parts of their vessels. They were later given medical treatment and declared in stable condition. The PCG also reported damage to at least three fishing boats, although authorities said the full extent of the destruction would only be determined once the vessels returned to shore.Government ships were dispatched to provide the affected fishermen with medical aid, fuel, food, water, and ice. Officials emphasized that Escoda Shoal is within the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and that the actions of the Chinese Coast Guard violate international law. The consolidated reports from the PCG and Western Command will be crucial in guiding the government’s next diplomatic steps, including a potential formal protest to Beijing through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). The United States has condemned China Coast Guard for water cannoning Filipino fishermen and cutting their anchor lines. US Department of State deputy spokesman Thomas Pigott on Sunday (Monday in Manila) said the “aggressive actions endangered Filipinos fishing for their livelihoods.” “We stand with our Philippine allies as they confront China’s provocative actions and increasingly dangerous tactics against its neighbors, which undermine regional stability,” Pigott said in a statement. In a separate statement, US Ambassador to Manila MaryKay Carlson denounced China’s “aggressive tactics” and “applaud the Philippine Coast Guard for aiding fishers and defending sovereign rights.” Canadian Ambassador to Manila David Hartman and Australian Ambassador to Manila Marc Innes-Brown said their respective governments expressed concern over the Escoda Shoal incident. “These actions jeopardize regional peace and stability. Disputes must be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law,” Hartman wrote on X on Monday. “We call for restraint and respect for international law, particularly UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea),” Innes-Brown also posted on X.