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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Di n'yo kami masisindak': PCG, BFAR distribute assistance to fishermen in West PH Sea despite harassment

'Di n'yo kami masisindak': PCG, BFAR distribute assistance to fishermen in West PH Sea despite harassment

Published Oct 9, 2025 08:56 am  |  Updated Oct 9, 2025 04:25 pm
A group of Filipino fishermen express gratitude to PCG and BFAR personnel for the assistance they receive during the relief distribution activity near Bajo de Masinloc and Escoda Shoal on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. (photo PCG)
A group of Filipino fishermen express gratitude to PCG and BFAR personnel for the assistance they receive during the relief distribution activity near Bajo de Masinloc and Escoda Shoal on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. (photo PCG)
Despite what they described as aggressive actions from Chinese maritime forces, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) were able to provide aid distribution missions for fishermen in the West Philippine Sea on Wednesday, Oct. 8.
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said the operation started at 5 a.m. with Coast Guard personnel providing the assistance package to fishing boats near Bajo de Masinloc and Escoda Shoal.
The assistance includes fuel subsidies, crushed ice for the fisherman's catch, and grocery packs in order to extend and expand the fishing activities of Filipino fishermen in the area.
“This initiative underscores the government's commitment to safeguarding the livelihoods of Filipino fishermen and asserting maritime jurisdiction,” said Gavan.
Those deployed from the PCG were the 97-meter BRP Teresa Magbanua and the 44-meter BRP Cape San Agustin to Bajo de Masinloc; and, the 97-meter BRP Melchora Aquino along with another 44-meter PCG vessel, BRP Cabra, to Escoda Shoal.
BFAR, on the other hand, provided additional 11 vessels—six to Bajo de Masinloc and five to Escoda Shoal—to facilitate the distribution of essential supplies.
At Bajo de Masinloc, Gavan disclosed that a People's Liberation Army Navy vessel 568 issued warnings from a distance regarding a live-fire exercise in the area, raising concerns among Filipino fishermen.
Authorities earlier warned that China is using another ploy to scare Filipino fishermen and PCG and BFAR personnel by claiming that live fire exercises are regularly done near Bajo de Masinloc.
But despite the intimidation tactics, he said PCG and BFAR teams continued their mission and delivered over 50,000 liters of fuel to approximately 55 boats.
At the Escoda Shoal, a PLA (People's Liberation Army) Navy helicopter conducted low-altitude monitoring flights, further attempting to intimidate the fishermen but the PCG and BFAR personnel did not blink and succeeded in distributing 48,000 liters of fuel to over 35 boats.
In total, Gavan said the joint operation disbursed 98,000 liters of fuel oil, bolstering the resilience of the local fishing sector.
In support, he said the Department of Agriculture procured 35 tons of freshly caught fish from Bajo de Masinloc fishermen later that afternoon to ensure that the fishermen could continue their work.
Gavan said his men monitored a total of seven CCG vessels and 10 Chinese Maritime Militia in Bajo de Masinloc, and eight CCG (China Coast Guard) vessels accompanied by nine Maritime Militia in Escoda Shoal.
“Yet, the PCG and BFAR teams remained steadfast, successfully achieving all mission objectives. The Philippine Coast Guard, alongside our partners at BFAR, will never back down in defending the rights and livelihoods of our Filipino fishermen,” said Gavan.
“We will neither waver nor surrender a single square inch of our territory to any foreign power,” he stressed.
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