The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) clarified on Friday that the incident involving a rescued Filipino fisherman, who was hit by a China-flagged vessel, has nothing to do with maritime tensions between Manila and Beijing in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
“This has nothing to do with the West Philippine Sea. It was far from Bajo de Masinloc, (it happened) near Subic, where many ships are passing through,” said PCG spokesperson Armand Balilo.
Authorities rescued fisherman Robert Mondeñedo after his boat collided with a Chinese vessel in the vicinity waters off Subic in Zambales. His brother and companion Jose Mondeñedo, however, remains missing.
Balilo said BRP Sindangan (MRRV-4407) continues to scour nearby waters to find Jose.
The PCG already shared coordinates with the Indonesian Port State Control as the suspected Chinese vessels involved in the collision are currently navigating Adang Bay, Indonesia.
“We have informed the Chinese Embassy in Manila regarding the incident. We will also write to the China Maritime Safety Agency for their cooperation in the ongoing investigation,” Balilo added.
The suspected two foreign vessels were identified as Mei Lan Hu and Yong Fa Men, according to PCG.
