The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said it has mobilized its vessels to Bajo de Masinloc and Escoda Shoal, along with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), to protect Filipino fishermen and deliver fuel and food support amid new incidents of “harassment” by Chinese forces.

The mission aimed to ensure the safety of local fishing boats and extend their time at sea through the “Kadiwa para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda” (KBBM) Program, said newly-promoted Rear Adm. Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for West Philippine Sea (WPS), in a statement late Saturday, Feb. 28.

In Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough or Panatag Shoal), the PCG monitored a group of Filipino fishermen who were allegedly harassed and blocked from fishing by Chinese maritime militia vessels and China Coast Guard (CCG) ships with bow numbers “3103” and “3303” on Feb. 27.

The PCG ship BRP Cabra and 10 BFAR vessels were dispatched to rendezvous with more than 30 Filipino fishing boats, Tarriela said,

“Upon arrival, the Filipino fishing boats received fuel subsidies and expressed gratitude to the national government for the support,” he added.

The fishermen also reported an unidentified drone flying overhead and they said it appeared to be documenting their activities, according to Tarriela.

Further, both the PCG and BFAR confirmed that their Starlink internet connections were cut once vessels entered within 12 nautical miles of Bajo de Masinloc.

In Escoda Shoal (Sabina Shoal), Filipino fishing boats sought help from the PCG after reporting harassment by Chinese maritime militia and CCG vessels “4203” and “5303”. The vessels allegedly prevented them from continuing their fishing activities.

The PCG vessel BRP Cape Engaño proceeded to the area to provide security, Tarriela said.

“The PCG vessel remains in the vicinity to ensure the Filipino fishing boats are not harassed and are safely protected,” Tarriela added.

Bajo de Masinloc lies within the country’s exclusive economic zone but has been under the presence of Chinese vessels for years. Meanwhile, Escoda Shoal has also seen standoffs between Philippine and Chinese ships in recent years.

The PCG said its vessels will maintain their presence in the area to ensure that Filipino fishermen can carry out their livelihood without intimidation.

Further, PCG Commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan reiterated his commitment that the primary priority of coast guard vessels deployed in these areas is to promote peace, stability, and the rule of law, while fulfilling the government’s responsibility to safeguard Filipino fishermen

He added that this mission is carried out “in furtherance of the standing guidance of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., to assert the nation's rights firmly without provocation while prioritizing the protection of our fishermen.”

Tarriela was recently promoted to rear admiral by Marcos, formalizing his expanded role in strategic communications and operational coordination within the PCG amid heightened tensions in the WPS.