PCG, BFAR conduct maritime patrol in Bajo de Masinloc

Bianca Dava

ABS-CBN News

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), in collaboration with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), on Thursday conducted a maritime patrol in Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal and a resupply mission to fishermen near the area.Despite multiple radio challenges from the China Coast Guard (CCG), the maritime patrol turned out successful.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/world/2024/12/10/taiwan-says-china-carrying-out-huge-maritime-drills-1626">Taiwan says China carrying out huge maritime drills</a></div>“That is something na laging ginagawa nila every time CCG vessels or BFAR vessels and even aircraft ng PCG at BFAR ay pumupunta sa vicinity ng Bajo de Masinloc,” PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela told reporters onboard the BFAR patrol aircraft.The CCG ordered the Philippine aircraft to leave the area. But the Filipino pilots pushed back, saying it is their right to patrol the country’s 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).Bajo de Masinloc is located only 124 nautical miles off Masinloc, Zambales.“Our pilots responded by saying na ang Bajo de Masinloc falls within our EEZ and this is also a routine maritime patrol na isinasagawa natin para protektahan ang interes ng ating mga kababayang mangingisdang Pilipino,” Tarriela said.“We directly challenged ang sinasabi ng China na they have sovereignty over the 12 nautical miles waters ng Bajo de Masinloc,” he added.During the maritime patrol, two CCG vessels with bow numbers 3104 and 3106, as well as seven Chinese maritime militia vessels (CMMVs), were monitored outside Bajo de Masinloc.Two CMMVs were also seen inside the shoal, monitoring access routes into the area.“We can suspect that these vessels are in-charge sa paglalagay ng harang every time may mamonitor silang Filipino fishing boats sa vicinity ng Bajo de Masinloc,” Tarriela noted.A People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessel with bow number 552 was also seen approximately 50 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales.“We still don’t know what’s the main objective of the PLA Navy whether it’s an expeditious na pagdaan. Then again, this is something we have always been monitoring—the presence of the PLA Navy,” Tarriela said.The PCG’s operation also included a resupply mission to around 40 Filipino fishing boats near Bajo de Masinloc.The crew of the BRP Teresa Magbanua and BRP Cabra distributed food packs to the Filipino fishermen.“These are the usual food packs na pinamimigay ng ating PCG na every time may makikita tayong mangingisdang Pilipino, we have to give something like grocery items or food packs that would help them stay longer at sea para matagal makapangisda,” Tarriela said.“This is where the PCG vessels are deployed to ensure na maprotektahan natin ang ating mga kababayang mangingisda sakaling maharass sila ng CCG and even the PLA Navy,” he added.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/world/2024/11/13/palau-president-says-china-flouting-its-ocean-boundaries-1138">Palau president says China flouting its ocean boundaries</a></div><div>DETENTION POLICY</div>Meanwhile, according to Tarriela, six months after China’s implementation of its anti-trespassing rule, no Filipino fishermen have been caught by the CCG.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/11/8/china-summons-philippine-envoy-over-new-maritime-laws-2224">China summons Philippine envoy over new maritime laws</a></div>“Ever since they publicized itong law nila na sabi nila was implemented last June, wala pa tayong Pilipino na napaulat na inarrest nila because of trespassing,” the official said.He added, “This is the reason why the Filipino fishermen still go to Bajo de Masinloc and its vicinity. For them, there’s always confidence kapag may PCG vessel o BFAR aircraft and vessels.”China’s controversial regulation empowers its coast guard to detain foreigners accused of “trespassing” in the South China Sea for up to 60 days without trial.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), in collaboration with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), on Thursday conducted a maritime patrol in Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal and a resupply mission to fishermen near the area.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), in collaboration with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), on Thursday conducted a maritime patrol in Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal and a resupply mission to fishermen near the area.

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PCG, BFAR conduct maritime patrol in Bajo de Masinloc

PCG, BFAR conduct maritime patrol in Bajo de Masinloc

Bianca Dava,

ABS-CBN News

Published Dec 19, 2024 05:56 PM PHT

Read More:

China

Philippine Coast Guard

fishermen

Bajo de Masinloc

West Philippine Sea

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