The Chinese vessel that supposedly assisted a Filipino fisherman lost in Zambales waters did not coordinate with Philippine authorities, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
In a statement, PCG Spokesperson for West Philippine Sea (WPS) Commodore Jay Tarriela acknowledged the assistance but said it sharply contrasted with what he described as the Chinese Coast Guard’s “illegal, coercive and aggressive” actions against Filipino fishermen.
The issue resurfaced after the Chinese Embassy in Manila said in a statement on Dec. 26 that the People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLAN) destroyer provided humanitarian assistance to a distressed Filipino fisherman on Christmas Day, delivering food and water and allegedly coordinating with PCG.
Tarriela disputed claims of coordination, saying the PCG received no prior information from the Chinese vessel.
He added that the fisherman was not adrift for three days, as claimed, but was safely moored to a floating fish aggregating device and awaiting pickup by a “mother boat.”
The fisherman, identified as Larry Tumalis, 41, of Barangay Calapandayan in Subic town of Zambales, was found in good condition by the PCG in the vicinity of Silanguin Island, San Antonio, Zambales, on December 25.
Tarriela reiterated that the PLAN warship had no legitimate reason to operate within the Philippines’ EEZ, noting that the reported location of the incident—about 131 kilometers (71 nautical miles) west of Silanguin Island—falls within Philippine waters.
He urged that the incident not be used as propaganda and reaffirmed Filipino fishermen’s rights to fish around Panatag Shoal.
