Supply mission to Bajo de Masinloc successful, says PCG

Even after a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel fired a water cannon at a Philippine vessel, the mission to deliver fuel and ice supply to more than 30 Filipino vessels in Bajo de Masinloc was successful, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

“In the face of harassment and aggressive actions from the China Coast Guard, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) proudly wraps up the ‘Kadiwa para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda’ (KBBM) program, which has delivered vital fuel subsidies and ice supplies to more than 30 Filipino fishing boats operating in Bajo De Masinloc,” said  PCG spokesperson for West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela in an X (formerly Twitter) post on Monday.

“This initiative underscores the PCG's commitment to supporting the livelihoods of Filipino fishermen who have relied on these waters for generations to sustain their families and communities,” he added.

“By providing these essential resources, the program seeks to alleviate the challenges encountered by our dedicated fisherfolk, allowing them to pursue their work with greater safety and security, especially in light of the harassment from the China Coast Guard.”

The PCG earlier deployed BRP Teresa Magbanua and BRP Suluan, along with MV Pamamalakaya, to conduct the mission.

However, the Filipino vessels and fishermen encountered dangerous actions from Chinese vessels.

“During the operation, Philippine vessels and fishermen encountered hazardous maneuvers and blocking actions from other vessels in the vicinity. In particular, the MRRV 4406 was targeted with a water cannon, but the seamanship skills by PCG crew members allowed the vessel to successfully evade from getting hit,” said Tarriela.

In a related incident, a CCG vessel 3104 collided with a People's Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) ship 164, approximately 10.5 nautical miles east of Bajo de Masinloc, the PCG said.

The PCG offered assistance to the Chinese vessels. However, the latter did not respond to the said offer.

After the incident, the PCG urged the Chinese government to respect the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS).

“The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has consistently urged the Chinese government to respect the COLREGS and to approach these matters with professionalism, especially considering their role in enforcing maritime laws,” said Tarriela.

“We have also emphasized that such reckless behavior at sea could ultimately lead to accidents. Our thoughts are with the CCG personnel who may have been injured in this incident,” he added. — BAP, GMA Integrated News