The filing of a diplomatic action is now being considered by the government against China as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Saturday, Jan. 21, that it has received a report from Palawan fishermen that they were driven away by a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, West Philippine Sea (WPS).
PCG Spokesperson Commo. Armando Balilo said that Lito Al-os, captain of Filipino fishing boat (FFB) “KEN-KEN,” reported to them last Friday, Jan. 20, that CCG vessel with bow number 5204 drove them away while fishing off Ayungin Shoal.
The incident happened last Jan. 9 in Ayungin Shoal which is located approximately 105 nautical miles west of Palawan or within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
“Accordingly, CCGV 5204 maneuvered towards FFB KEN-KEN at a distance of approximately 800 yards and deployed a rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB),” Balilo said in a statement.
Balilo said the CCG personnel onboard the speedboat told the Filipino fishermen to leave the area, prompting Al-os’ team to alter their course and depart the shoal.
“However, CCGV 5204 continued to shadow FFB KEN-KEN while underway to Boxall Reef,” he stated.
The PCG said that its Task Force Pag-asa deployed additional patrol vessels in the area after they received the report “to strengthen its presence in the West Philippine Sea.”
“As of press time, the PCG is collecting evidence and further information that will be forwarded to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA),” Balilo said.
“If deemed necessary, the DFA may use the said report in filing an appropriate diplomatic action,” he added.
The incident happened several days after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said that China assured the Philippines that Filipino fishermen will no longer be barred from fishing in the WPS, which has long been a traditional fishing ground for the locals.
“They will allow our fishermen to fish in the fishing grounds that they have used for many generations,” Marcos was quoted as saying last Jan. 15 while enroute to Switzerland for the World Economic Forum.
The Philippines and China are looking to establish a direct communication line to discuss territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
China continues to tighten its grip in majority of the areas in the vast South China Sea, including those located in the Philippines’ EEZ or the WPS, despite a 2016 ruling from the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) which had invalidated its claims.