Palace: PCG must be in strategic locations to protect Pinoy fishers
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the deployment of forces in “strategic locations” across the West Philippine Sea to protect Filipino fishermen after China utilized water cannons near Escoda (Sabina) Shoal off Palawan last week.
Palace Press Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said this was part of the directives given to the Philippine Coast Guard following the Escoda incident.
“We have spoken with PCG spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela, and the President’s directives included prioritizing the safety of our countrymen, particularly our fishermen who sometimes find their lives in danger,” Castro said.
“The President has ordered that there be deployment of forces in strategic locations to monitor and provide protection to our fishermen,” she added.
Castro said the President also underscored the need to acquire additional PCG vessels to enhance the country’s ability to protect national interests and safeguard the welfare of its citizens.
Three fishermen were injured during the Escoda incident on December 12.
Additionally, two Filipino fishing vessels were significantly damaged by the high-pressure water cannon blasts.
The National Maritime Council, for its part, noted the attacks happened in an area well within the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Sabina Shoal, a fish-rich area, is about 150 kilometers from the island of Palawan.
“These acts placed the lives of these Filipino artisanal fishers at greater risk, adding further danger to the already difficult sea conditions. It is deeply regrettable that three Filipino fishers suffered physical injuries, and two fishing boats were damaged.” NMC said in a statement.
The NMC criticized the public claim of the China Coast Guard that it employed “necessary control measures,” saying such actions could not be justified when directed against small, wooden civilian fishing boats engaged in subsistence fishing within the Philippines’ EEZ.
“The Philippines will undertake the appropriate diplomatic response and register its strong objection to these actions,” the council said, adding that it will demand an end to China’s aggressive acts.
“We call on the CCG, in particular, to act responsibly, adhere to international standards of conduct, and place the preservation of life at sea above actions that sow fear and endanger civilians,” the council said.
Two more ambassadors have added their voice in expressing concern over China’s actions in the WPS.
Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman said Canada is “seriously” worried about the aggressive actions of the Chinese Coast Guard.
“These actions jeopardize regional peace and stability. Disputes must be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law,” he said.
Meanwhile, German Ambassador to the Philippines Andreas Pfaffernoschke said Berlin stands with Manila in upholding rules-based international order in the South China Sea.
“I am concerned about the water-cannoning near Sabina Shoal against Filipino fishermen fishing in the EEZ of the Philippines just to make a living. Germany stands with the Philippines in protecting the rules based international order,” he said in an post on X.
Earlier, US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson also condemned China’s use of water cannons, highlighting that such actions threaten the lives and livelihoods of Filipino fishermen.
