PCG vessel distributes ayuda to Pinoy fishers in WPS despite China’s aggression 

Chinese vessels attempted to block a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel that was distributing aid to Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea. 

According to EJ Gomez’s report on “24 Oras” on Monday, three China Coast Guard vessels were spotted at Abad Santos Shoal last Friday. Hence, the PCG halted its plan to meet 20 Filipino fishing boats at sea, forcing some fishermen to sail towards Sabina Shoal instead. 

But while the PCG vessel was following the fishermen towards Sabina Shoal, a CCG vessel cut its way and went close to the vessel. The CCG also issued three radio challenges to the Filipino vessel. 

The PCG vessel continued with its mission. However, the CCG vessel was spotted again and ran after the Filipino vessel. 

On Saturday, more Chinese vessels were spotted with four CCG ships and one Chinese militia vessel. 

While the PCG was distributing aid to the Filipino fishermen, two Chinese aircraft were spotted flying in the area. The PCG eventually launched its Islander-251 for a maritime domain awareness flight within the vicinity of the Abad Santos Shoal. 

On Sunday, a CCG vessel was found near the PCG vessel as it closely monitors the latter. 

The PCG is closely monitoring the Filipino fishermen who are unable to leave Abad Santos Shoal due to strong waves. 

Further, the PCG assured that it will not be deterred by the aggression of China.

“Ang atin pong Philippine Coast Guard, despite our limited assets, we’re going to strategically deploy our vessels in those areas na alam nating pinupuntahan ng ating mga mangingisdang Pilipino,” said PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela.

“Despite the bad weather conditions, the harassment, the bullying na ginagawa ng China Coast Guard sa ating mga mas maliliit na Coast Guard vessel, it will not prevent us from ensuring the safety and security of our Filipino fishermen," he added.

(Our Philippine Coast Guard, despite our limited assets, we’re going to strategically deploy our vessels in those areas that we know our Filipino fishermen frequent. Despite the bad weather conditions, the harassment, the bullying that the China Coast Guard does to our smaller Coast Guard vessels, it will not prevent us from ensuring the safety and security of our Filipino fishermen.) —Vince Angelo Ferreras/LDF, GMA Integrated News