The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has deployed vessels and an aircraft to Bajo de Masinloc following reports of harassment by Chinese forces against Filipino fishermen.
PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela, said the deployment, conducted in coordination with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), aims to ensure the safety of local fishermen and provide assistance such as fuel subsidies, ice, and food supplies.
According to reports, fishermen documented dangerous maneuvers by vessels of the China Coast Guard and Chinese maritime militia, including the use of sirens and the deployment of rigid-hull inflatable boats to drive them away from the area.
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan also ordered a maritime domain awareness flight over the shoal, which confirmed the presence of multiple Chinese vessels, including five China Coast Guard ships, three vessels from the People’s Liberation Army Navy, and two maritime militia vessels.
The aerial patrol likewise verified the presence of more than 20 Filipino fishing boats operating in the area, as well as Chinese-installed buoys.
During the mission, the PCG aircraft challenged what it described as the illegal presence of Chinese vessels in Philippine waters. Officials also reported that a People’s Liberation Army Air Force asset challenged the PCG aircraft—marking the first such recorded incident.
“Despite the challenges posed by China’s numerous larger vessels, the dedicated men and women of the PCG stand resolute in their mission to safeguard our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea peacefully, in accordance with national and international law, including the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, UNCLOS, and the 2016 Arbitral Award,” Tarriela said.
