BFAR forms quick response teams to protect PHL waters

Amid an ongoing territorial row between the Philippines and China, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) started forming quick response teams to guard Philippine waters.

 

According to a report of radio dzBB's Allan Gatus on Monday, the BFAR is training its personnel who will form 16 teams that will guard Philippine waters. The team members will be trained on law enforcement and environmental protection, and other actions against illegal fishing.

 

BFAR head Asis Perez said one team will be deployed to each of the country's 16 regions - including the area where the standoff with China is still ongoing.

 

The standoff between the Philippines and China off Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal started last April when Philippine forces spotted Chinese fishermen gathering marine species off the area, but were blocked by Chinese vessels when they tried to make arrests.

 

Manila and Beijing have been resorting to diplomatic means to resolve the problem. - VVP, GMA News