Pinoy fishermen surrounded, shadowed by China Coast Guard in Bajo de Masinloc

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) slammed the China Coast Guard (CCG)’s latest alleged harassment of Filipino fishermen at the Bajo de Masinloc on Sunday, March 22. 

According to Chino Gaston’s report in “24 Oras” on Monday, CCG speedboats surrounded, shadowed, and threatened the Filipino fishermen.

A CCG ship also went near the fishermen’s wooden boats as if to intimidate them. 

The PCG deployed its BRP Cape San Agustin and BRP Cabra, along with the MV Pamalakaya, to help the fishermen. The ships also delivered crude oil, drinking water, and food. 

The PCG also deployed its Cessna Caravan aircraft on Monday morning to check the mission it launched.

The CCG’s harassment briefly ceased, allowing around 20 Filipino fishing boats to safely refuel from the PCG ships and replenish their supplies.

However, the Filipino vessels and boats received a radio message from the Chinese side: “Security! Security! Security! China Coast Guard will conduct regular clearing from local time 11 o’clock to 18 o’clock of March 23.” 

The Chinese were driving the fishermen away from a portion of the southern area of Bajo de Masinloc.

“This is not the first time that they declared a particular coordinate to threaten the Filipino fishermen. Noong mga nakaraang buwan, nag-declare as an exercise area na gagawin daw ng PLA Navy. Pero sa buong maghapon na minonitor natin at binantayan ang mga mangingisdang Pilipino, wala naman silang ginawang PLA Navy exercise,” said PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela. 

(This is not the first time that they declared a particular coordinate to threaten the Filipino fishermen. In previous months, they declared an area where the PLA Navy would supposedly conduct an exercise. But throughout the entire day that we monitored and guarded the Filipino fishermen, the PLA Navy did not actually conduct any exercise.) 

“For me, this is just another threat to discourage the Filipino fishermen,” he added. 

The PCG also denied reports that an agreement is being formed with the CCG for a maritime operation.

“They are continuously harassing the Filipino fishermen. It should be in good faith whenever you discuss something to negotiate and these kinds of activities are not really a clear demonstration of good faith for us to have a much more better engagement,” said Tarriela. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/JMA, GMA Integrated News