US Naval Institute’s news service reports on the latest incident between China and the Philippines.
Units involved were:
- Two Philippine Coast Guard Cutters and BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) and BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409)
- Two Philippine Bureau of Aquatic Resources and Fisheries offshore vessels BRP Datu Pagbuaya (MMOV-3003) and BRP Datu Sanday (MMOV-3002)
China Coast Cutter 3304 in the Philippine EEZ. Philippine Coast Guard Photo
- Four China Coast Guard cutters hull numbers 5303, 3302, 3104, 3304
- Two Chinese Navy Type 054A frigates Xianning (500) and Yuncheng (571)
Type 054A FFG Hengshui (Source: Seaforces.org)
The Chinese have typically had their navy backing up their coast guard in these confrontations, but it appears a frigate was more directly involved than in previous similar confrontations. Still, it was the China Coast Guard that played bumper-boats and water cannoned the Philippine ships.
Generally, the Philippine Navy has not been present during these confrontations. The Philippines seems to want to make sure it is clear, who is the bully here. None of the Philippine ships involved even have deck guns.
The Philippine ships were there to protect Philippine fishermen who are being deprived of their livelihood by the Chinese.
With more direct involvement of PLAN frigates, the Philippine Navy may start making an appearance, perhaps over the horizon, but within ASCM range.
Chuck Hill's CG Blog 
I’ve seen many pictures of Chinese Coast Guard ships using water cannons effectively. I wonder why the USCG hasn’t mounted them. It seems to me that they might be effective both for law enforcement and as a means of dissuading CCG (or other vessels) intent on physical contact. It would provide a way to make a response other than repeating the physical contact and be well short of firing a shot.