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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PCG secures 100 fishermen from Chinese vessels in Bajo de Masinloc during 9-day patrol operation

PCG secures 100 fishermen from Chinese vessels in Bajo de Masinloc during 9-day patrol operation

Published Feb 11, 2024 06:24 am
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Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel hand out humanitarian aid to Filipino fishermen in Bajo de Masinloc, Zambales. (Photo by PCG)

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has completed a nine-day patrol operation in Bajo de Masinloc (Panatag or Scarborough Shoal) in Zambales which allowed over 100 Filipino fishermen to catch fish and other resources despite the presence of Chinese vessels, its top official disclosed on Sunday, Feb. 11.

PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan ordered last Feb. 1 the deployment of the 97-meter multi-role response vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) in Bajo de Masinloc “to ensure [the] safety [of] and safeguard Filipino fishermen in the area.”

Throughout the mission, Gavan said that BRP Teresa Magbanua monitored the presence of four China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels with bow numbers 3105, 3302, 3063, and 3064.

The CCG 3302 was earlier identified by the authorities as the same ship that fired water cannon against the civilian vessels of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) while they were delivering aid to Filipino fishermen in the Scarborough Shoal on Dec. 9, 2023.

The CCG 3063 was also ID’ed as the ship that shot jets of water against Filipino fishermen in Scarborough Shoal on Jan. 27, 2014.

Aside from the four CCG vessels, the BRP Teresa Magbanua also observed the presence of four Chinese maritime militia vessels.

Gavan said that the Chinese vessels challenged the presence of BRP Teresa Magbanua in the area but the crew engaged them "professionally" through radio communication.

“The Coast Guard’s white ships will consistently ensure Filipino fishermen’s safety and welfare,” the PCG chief emphasized.

Meanwhile, the PCG crew also distributed food packs and groceries to the Filipino fishermen so they would last longer in Scarborough Shoal for their fishing activities.

According to Gavan, the fishermen were thankful for the support of the PCG to them. A total of 14 Filipino boats were assisted by the PCG in the entire mission.

Gavan has intensified the presence of PCG vessels in Bajo de Masinloc after Filipino fishermen were apparently harassed by the CCG vessels in the shoal last month.

Last Jan. 12, Jack Tabat and his fellow fishermen onboard fishing boat (FB) “Legendary Jo” were chased by CCG crew and forced to return to the sea the seashells they caught at the southern entrance of the shoal.

Tabat had said that five CCG personnel onboard a rubber boat grabbed their fishing boat and prevented it from departing unless they threw their catch.

The incident was widely condemned by authorities and other stakeholders as calls mounted for the CCG to restrain its actions and avoid aggression against ordinary fishermen in Bajo de Masinloc.

Bajo de Masinloc is located approximately 124 nautical miles west of Zambales and is within the 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Philippines. 

As affirmed by the 2016 arbitral ruling, Bajo de Masinloc has been a traditional fishing ground of Filipino fishermen. 

The same landmark decision also favored the Philippines' claims in the South China Sea and invalidated China's in the vast portion of the waters, but Beijing did not recognize it.

Related Tags

bajo de masinloc Philippine Coast Guard Scarborough Shoal Panatag Shoal PCG PH-China
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