Several Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels have been deployed to Huangyan Island for the first time since Chinese vessels and PCG ships faced off in the South China Sea rock formation for two weeks in mid-2012, reported Philippine Daily Inquirer.

PCG spokesperson Armand Balilo said on Monday that at least two Philippine Coast Guard Ships were "on standby" at the PCG headquarters in Port Area, Manila and waiting to be sent to the South China Sea "if ordered by the higher-ups," quoted the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Balilo said they did not want to confront the Chinese Coast Guard, and that "any ship deployment to Panatag Shoal [Huangyan Island] would be done in a less provocative manner." He added that it was Philippine government policy to resolve the disputed territory peacefully and through international arbitration.

Balilo did not comment on a Philippine foreign ministry report claiming a  Chinese vessel had fired water cannons at Philippine fishing boats.

Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez said at a news briefing on February 25 that a Chinese coast guard vessel fired water cannons at two Philippine fishing boats to drive them away from Huangyan Island on January 27.

When asked whether the Philippines had any material evidence such as photos or video footage to back up the claim, Hernandez said, "I don't have them now, but certainly this information is confirmed."

He said these incidents had been confirmed by the Filipino fishermen involved.

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying responded to a question on Monday concerning the accusations.

"I would like to re-emphasize that China's public service vessels have conducted routine patrols in the waters off Huangyan Island to safeguard both sovereignty and public order in the waters," Hua said, noting that China has undisputed sovereignty over the Huangyan Islands and the neighboring seas.

Global Times - Xinhua