THE Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has conducted a resupply mission to Filipino fishermen in the area of the Iroqouis (Rozul) Reef in the West Philippine Sea using its marine vessel BRP Datu Sanday,
The BFAR team delivered food, fuel, and other provisions to 16 Filipino fishing boats moored around the reef last Feb. 5.
No Chinese vessels were seen in the area during the mission, the team said.
On previous occasions, an average of 30 Chinese vessels, including maritime militia vessels, were monitored around Iroqouis Reef.
The BFAR aircraft that provided air cover for the BRP Datu Sanday did not receive any radio challenge during the mission.
The resupply run involved distributing a total of 13 tons of diesel, along with gasoline for the fishermen’s pump boats, as well as medicines, drinking water, and ready-to-eat snacks.
During the mission, the BFAR team noted there were eight mother boats in the area, with an approximate total fish catch of 12 tons by all fishermen at the Iroqouis Reef.