By Rex Espiritu
THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has delivered Christmas packages and essential supplies to Filipino troops manning advanced posts in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) days before Christmas, underscoring continued support for personnel stationed at the country’s outermost frontiers.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) expressed doubts over China’s claim that one of its military vessels assisted a distressed Filipino fisherman in the WPS on Christmas Day.
In a statement issued Dec.25, the AFP said it successfully completed a sustainment mission to provide Noche Buena packages and basic supplies, as well as medical services to the troops at the contested territories.
Among the beneficiaries were personnel assigned to BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal, Pag-asa Island, Panata Island, Rizal Reef Station, Kota Island, as well as the outposts of Parola, Lawak, Likas, and Patag islands. These soldiers spent the holiday season away from their families as they continued to perform security and sovereignty missions.
The operation was led by Western Command (WESCOM) chief Vice Admiral Alfonso Torres Jr., ensuring the timely delivery of supplies to sailors and marines deployed in the WPS.
The AFP said the holiday outreach was conducted in line with its 90th founding anniversary, serving as a reminder that soldiers assigned to the country’s outermost posts remain a priority despite the challenges of distance and operational demands.
“As the AFP maintains its presence in the West Philippine Sea, it remains resolute in defending national sovereignty and asserting the country’s sovereign rights,” the military said.
The AFP added that the Christmas mission symbolized the nation’s support for its troops, assuring them that their service and sacrifices are recognized and valued, wherever they are.
A People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA-N) Luyang III-class guided-missile destroyer bearing bow number “174” reportedly provided food and water to a Filipino fisherman who boat’s engine conked out at the South China Sea.
According to the Chinese Embassy in Manila, the Filipino fishermen had been stranded for three days, prompting the Chinese warship to deploy a rigid hull inflatable boat to render assistance while coordinating follow-up support with PCG.
The embassy also posted photos on its social media pages showing a Chinese crew member handing over a bottle of water to the fisherman, as well as another image of the fisherman holding a placard reading “HELP ME.”
In response, PCG spokesperson for WPS Commodore Jay Tarriela on Friday said the PCG “acknowledges” and “appreciates” the humanitarian gesture made by the Chinese warship.
Tarriela said the incident supposedly occurred about 71 nautical miles west of Silanguin Island in Zambales, and pointed out that what happened was a “notable contrast to the barbaric, illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive actions often employed by the China Coast Guard against Filipino fishermen.”
Tarriela, however, disclosed that the PCG was not informed by the Chinese PLA-Navy about the incident, contrary to the embassy’s claims. He also said there was no prior notice on the fisherman’s location or condition.
Further, he said the fisherman was safely moored to a floating aggregate device or “payao” while awaiting pickup by their mother boat.
He said the service boat departed on a fishing trip around 3 p.m. on Dec. 24 and the distressed fisherman was located by the PCG and the mother boat the following afternoon, less than 24 hours later.
“Claim that he had been adrift for three days is inaccurate,” the PCG official added.
Further, the PCG also questioned why a Chinese warship was operating in the area. Tarriela said the reported location of the encounter was within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
“According to the fisherman, he became frightened when the PLA Navy warship 174 launched an inflatable boat. In response, he used carbon deposits scraped from the tip of his engine’s exhaust pipe to write ‘HELP ME,’” Tarriela said.
While acknowledging the act of assistance, Tarriela warned against using the incident for propaganda. He said the event should affirm the rights of Filipino fishermen to operate around Bajo de Masinloc.
“We hope this incident is not exploited as propaganda by China. Instead, it should serve as recognition that Filipino fishermen have full rights to fish in the waters around Bajo de Masinloc,” he said.
The West Philippine Sea refers to the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago, including Luzon Sea and the waters around, within and adjacent to the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc.
