Manila: The Philippine Coast Guard reported a troubling escalation in the South China Sea on Friday, as three Filipino fishermen sustained injuries and two fishing vessels suffered significant damage following confrontations with Chinese coast guard ships near Sabina Shoal. The disputed maritime area, located roughly 150 kilometers west of Palawan, has long been a flashpoint between Manila and Beijing, each asserting overlapping claims over the resource-rich waters.

According to the Coast Guard, the incident unfolded as nearly two dozen Filipino fishing boats operated near Sabina Shoal, locally referred to as Escoda Shoal, while the Chinese side identifies it as Xianbin Reef. Filipino crews reported aggressive maneuvers by Chinese vessels, including high-pressure water cannon blasts and

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