MANILA — A joint humanitarian mission of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) successfully delivered fuel assistance to Filipino fishermen at Bajo de Masinloc on Thursday despite confrontational actions by the China Coast Guard (CCG).
The operation, conducted under the government’s “Kadiwa ng Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda” initiative, aimed to provide fuel subsidies to fishermen grappling with higher operating costs.
PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela, said Chinese vessels attempted to interfere with the mission through dangerous maneuvers and the use of a water cannon, but Philippine authorities completed the operation without interruption.
Tarriela said CCG vessel 3302 came within about 50 meters of BRP Datu Dumangsil before unleashing a water cannon for more than two minutes, causing an indirect hit on the Philippine vessel.
Shortly afterward, CCG vessel 21579 allegedly crossed roughly 500 meters in front of BRP Datu Paiburong, an action the PCG described as unsafe and contrary to international maritime navigation rules.
Despite the incidents, Philippine vessels continued their humanitarian task, with no injuries reported among personnel.
M/V Mamalakaya and BRP Datu Cabaylo completed the distribution of fuel and food packs to local fishermen, while BRP Datu Sumakwel maintained patrol and support operations in nearby waters.
The PCG also dispatched a Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft on the orders of Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan to monitor activities over Bajo de Masinloc. During the patrol, the aircraft received a radio warning from Chinese forces despite flying within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
Aerial surveillance identified three China Coast Guard vessels, two Chinese Maritime Militia vessels, and one People’s Liberation Army Navy ship operating in the area.
Authorities said that as of Thursday morning, three PCG vessels, four BFAR vessels, and M/V Mamalakaya remained on station, while nine China Coast Guard vessels and one Chinese Maritime Militia vessel were also being monitored.
Tarriela reaffirmed that Bajo de Masinloc is part of Philippine territory and stressed that the 2016 Arbitral Award recognizes the traditional fishing rights of Filipino fishermen in the area.
He said the PCG and BFAR remain committed to protecting Filipino fisherfolk and maintaining a lawful presence in the West Philippine Sea in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
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