PCG says China call seem timed to boost narrative, not humanitarian intent

The Philippine Coast Guard stated that the Philippine side should have been informed in advance if there was indeed coordination between the Chinese Navy and the PCG during the Chinese rescue of a Filipino fisherman in waters off Zambales on December 25.

“The PCG vessel was already deployed and in the vicinity when the call was made and recorded—actions that appear timed to bolster a narrative rather than reflect genuine, proactive humanitarian intent,” PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela said.

Tarriela said that he appreciated how the embassy chose to address the issue publicly and said that he hoped future concerns would also be addressed similarly in the future, "when addressing incidents that involve the barbaric, illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive behavior of PRC’s maritime forces."

In a statement on Friday, the Chinese Embassy said that Chinese vessels were able to find the fisherman at 12:30 p.m. on December 25 while the PCG did not arrive until 2:15 p.m.

“Facts never lie... Jay kept insisting that China never provided 'prior information' during the rescue. Then we released the communication audio, and it became clear Jay was lying. Of course, Jay had to admit that communication was made, only to add that [the] Philippine PCG vessel was 'in the vicinity.' How convenient,” the embassy said.

“We are fully prepared to assist Filipino civilians. What is puzzling is how a straightforward humanitarian act has been repeatedly twisted and politicized. So what precisely is the issue? That the rescue was conducted by [a] Chinese ship, and the person rescued happened to be Filipino? One has to ask whether the reaction would be the same if a different flag had been involved,” it said.

The embassy called on Tarriela to refrain from misleading the public.

“China’s actions in the South China Sea have consistently complied with international law and Chinese domestic law. We reject labels like ‘illegal’ or ‘coercive’,” it said.

“Those malicious schemes, lies, and cheap tricks meant to pit China against the Philippines may work for a moment, but they are bound to fail in the end."

Chinese Embassy deputy spokesperson Guo Lei on Wednesday stressed that the Chinese coordinated with the PCG as regards the rescue.

"And claiming there was no communication between the Chinese naval ship and PCG vessel regarding the Dec. [25] fisherfolk rescue? That’s like saying a phone call never happened while the call log and recording are right there. Before making accusations, Jay Tarriela should at least check the basic facts. Evidence doesn’t disappear just because you ignore it," Guo said.

The exchange between Tarriela and Guo followed after the Chinese Embassy said they were able to deliver swift humanitarian assistance to a distressed Philippine fishing vessel in the South China Sea on December 25, after they were reportedly stranded for three days at sea due to engine failure.

Both the PCG and Atin Ito Coalition disputed the alleged rescue, with the PCG claiming that statements issued by the Embassy were inaccurate and the Coalition stating that the alleged rescue was self-serving and propaganda-driven. –Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/NB/VBL, GMA Integrated News