There is an increasing number of Filipino fishermen who are casting their nets in Bajo de Masinloc, Zambales to earn a living despite the steady presence of China Coast Guard (CCG), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Friday, March 25.
"The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has confirmed the increasing presence of Filipino fishermen in Bajo de Masinloc, Zambales," said Admiral Artemio Abu, PCG commandant, in a statement.
Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal and Panatag Shoal, is located 124 nautical miles west of Zambales, and is within the country's 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
CCG vessels were previously reported to be driving away Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea, including in Bajo de Masinloc. There were also reports that Chinese maritime militia were supposedly forcing Filipino fishermen to trade their catch for liquor and noodles, which affect the fishing behavior of the locals.
But from February 28 to March 5, the PCG has monitored approximately 45 Filipino fishing boats at the vicinity waters off Bajo de Masinloc.
PCG Spokesperson Armand Balilo said that they are still receiving reports about the harrassment of Filipino fishermen and radio challenges by CCG vessels in the territorial waters of the Philippines.
"May China Coast Guard pero nandoon din naman 'yung mga barko natin (The China Coast Guard remains there but our ships are also in the area)," Balilo said.
Abu considered the increasing presence of Filipino fishermen as a "significant milestone" in promoting maritime security and maritime safety in Bajo de Masinloc.
"Seeing more Filipino fishing boats in Bajo de Masinloc is a proof of our intensified efforts to safeguard Filipino fishermen who consider fishing as their primary source of livelihood," Abu said.
"Through our regular interaction, we assure them that the PCG will remain active and present in the area. Lagi naming binabanggit sa kanila na narito kami para pangalagaan ang kanilang kapakanan at itaguyod ang kanilang kaligtasan (We always say to them that we are here to protect them and ensure their safety)," he added.
The PCG is conducting "Bayanihan sa Karagatan" where Coast Guard personnel provide Filipino fishermen with relief supplies and Covid-19 kits to keep them healthy while at sea.
The PCG and thr Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) have also successfully implemented rules-based and peaceful approaches against suspicious foreign vessels, including the “shadowing” of China Coast Guard ships within the vicinity waters of Bajo de Masinloc, since 2021.
Secretary Hermogenes Esperon, National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) chairman, previously emphasized the need to encourage Filipino fishermen to catch fish in Bajo de Masinloc which is considered a traditional fishing ground.
In effect, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade ordered the PCG to intensify their maritime patrols in the West Philippine Sea to protect Filipino fishermen.
“The Area Task Force – North of the NTF-WPS provides operational direction for Bajo de Masinloc and Philippine Rise. Our units will continue to augment and support the Area Task Force – North of the NTF-WPS to safeguard Filipino fishermen in the said vicinity waters,” Abu assured.
“The PCG is here to be of service to the Filipino people by remaining steadfast in its duty to protect the country’s waters and safeguard every Filipino at sea. This is our commitment to the nation,” he concluded.