PCG boats help BFAR distribute fuel assistance in Sabina Shoal

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Sunday said it deployed its rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) from the BRP Teresa Magbanua to assist the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in distributing fuel assistance to Filipino fisherfolk in the West Philippine Sea's Sabina Shoal.

In a statement, PCG said the RHIBs provided security,  safety, and facilitation assistance during BFAR’s fuel assistance distribution.

“The Commandant's (Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan)  directive aims to ensure that Filipino fishermen can access fuel support at offshore fishing grounds without interference from any party,  including the Chinese Coast Guard,” PCG said.

“Currently, the deployed PCG RHIBs are effectively blocking attempts by the Chinese  Coast Guard to approach the BFAR vessels, thereby safeguarding the fuel distribution process,” it added.

A Chinese research vessel was spotted ''surveying'' the areas south and east of Sabina Shoal,  three weeks after China’s "monster ship" was discovered anchored in the contested area. — DVM, GMA Integrated News