PCG challenges Chinese vessels amid search for missing fisherman in Zambales

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has challenged the presence of two Chinese vessels while searching for a missing fisherman in the waters off the coast of Zambales. 

According to a statement by the PCG spokesperson for West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela on Friday, the PCG issued a Notice to Mariners asking for transiting vessels to look out for the missing fisherman’s boat, JONAMAE.

Tarriela said that during the SAR, PCG vessels issued challenges directed at Chinese-flagged vessels found patrolling within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

On Thursday, he said that a People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy vessel with bow number 627 was found approximately 42 nautical miles off the coast of Capones Island in Zambales, while China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 3106 was challenged at approximately 73 nautical miles off the same island on Friday.

The PCG said that they remain committed to locating the missing fishermen despite the inclement weather and the presence of Chinese vessels.

"Despite the size of the PCG vessels, our professional crew would always be willing to sacrifice their comfort and safety so that the Filipino fishermen are safe and secured,” said PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan.

‘Prioritize search and rescue’

In a statement, Chinese Embassy deputy spokesperson Guo Wei said that due to the overlapping claims by China and the Philippines, it was “entirely legitimate” for Chinese naval and coast guard vessels to operate in the area.

“Even setting aside the issue of overlapping claims, freedom of navigation under international law fully supports China’s actions. Calling this an ‘illegal patrol’ is simply baseless,” he said.

He also called on Tarriela to stop portraying the Philippines as “a victim” simply due to having a smaller vessel and noted that the Chinese vessels would have been helpful if they knew about the missing fisherman.

“I am confident that if Chinese naval or coast guard vessels became aware of a missing fisherman in the area—regardless of nationality—they would render assistance once the situation was discovered,” he said.

“As PCG, your priority should be search and rescue for the missing fisherman, not social media theatrics. Your tricks of rambling, confusing right and wrong, inciting confrontation, and misleading public opinion are useless,” he added. —VBL, GMA Integrated News