PCG resupplies Pag-asa Island with fishing gear, other basic supplies

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) resupplied Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea with fishing gear and basic supplies amid recent Chinese actions against Philippine vessels.

PCG Spokesperson Commodore Armando Balilo said the items were turned over to the local government unit of the municipality of Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) in support of the thrust of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to support the operations of local fishermen especially those in remote territories.

The supplies were delivered by the BRP Capones (MRRV-4404) on Sunday, during which the Capones also provided supplies for the PCG and Philippine National Police (PNP) stations in the area.

“Relieving personnel were also transported to provide sufficient rest period to deployed law enforcement teams which is necessary in upholding public health and safety amid the COVID-19 pandemic,” Balilo said.

While underway to Pag-asa Island from Puerto Princesa, Palawan, BRP Capones’ Commanding Officer CG Captain Glen Daraug spotted a China Coast Guard vessel about one to two nautical miles away from their vessel, but no radio challenge was made.

PCG Commandant CG Admiral Leopoldo Laroya said the routine mission in the country’s maritime zones manifests the PCG’s firm commitment to the government's whole-of-nation approach to safeguarding national interests through a rules-based peaceful approach.

“Rest assured that your Coast Guard will continue to strengthen its maritime security law enforcement and safety functions towards the protection of the country’s productive fishing zones and rich biodiversity for the benefit of the present and future generations,” Laroya said.

The PCG collaborated with other agencies through the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) headed by National Security Adviser Secretary Hermogenes Esperon Jr.

Esperon said on Thursday that 45 Chinese maritime militia ships were spotted near Pag-asa Island, the highest number so far this year. According to him, the average number of Chinese vessels spotted in the area was less than 20.

"The Department of Foreign Affairs is filing a protest, basta Pag-asa Island, on a daily basis. Tuloy-tuloy ang protest diyan basta Pag-asa ang pinag-uusapan at saka ‘yung militarization nila," he said.

(The DFA is filing daily protests since it's Pag-asa Island we’re talking about. Pag-asa Island and their militarization.)

On November 4, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte commissioned a new light transport and reconnaissance aircraft for the PCG and recognized the new facilities for PCG Station Kalayaan to aid the personnel in the area. The PCG is also set to receive its two ships from Japan early next year.

“This is in compliance with the directive of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur P. Tugade to vigorously pursue public service anchored on patriotism, compassion, and fear of God towards the realization of President Duterte’s vision to provide safe and comfortable lives for all Filipinos, especially those living in far-flung areas such as Pag-asa Island and other remote coastal communities in the country,” Laroya added. — DVM, GMA News