Filipino fishers in Bajo de Masinloc increasing —PCG

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Friday said the presence of Filipino fishermen in Bajo de Masinloc, Zambales is increasing.

In a statement, the PCG said it monitored around 45 Filipino boats conducting fishing activities at the vicinity waters off Bajo de Masinloc during its maritime operations from February 28 to March 5.

PCG commandant Admiral Artemio Abu said this number of fishermen is a significant milestone in promoting maritime security and maritime safety in the area located 124 nautical miles west of Zambales.

“Seeing more Filipino fishing boats in Bajo de Masinloc is a proof of our intensified efforts to safeguard Filipino fishermen who consider fishing as their primary source of livelihood,” he said.

Abu assured the fishermen that the PCG will keep its activity and presence in the area to protect them and ensure their safety.

Personnel of BRP Capones (MRRV-4404) also gave relief supplies and COVID-19 kits to the fishermen through the “Bayanihan sa Karagatan” program, the PCG said.

The PCG recalled that in 2021 there were suspicious foreign vessels and “shadowing” China Coast Guard (CCG) ships within the vicinity waters of Bajo de Masinloc, which the PCG and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) addressed through rules-based and peaceful approaches.

NTF-WPS chairman and National Security Adviser Secretary Hermogenes Esperon underscored that Filipino fishermen should be encouraged to catch fish in their traditional fishing ground, Bajo de Masinloc.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade earlier directed the PCG to continue its intensified deployment of assets and personnel to protect Filipino fishermen.

“The Area Task Force – North of the NTF-WPS provides operational direction for Bajo de Masinloc and Philippine Rise. Our units will continue to augment and support the Area Task Force – North of the NTF-WPS to safeguard Filipino fishermen in the said vicinity waters,” Abu said.

“The PCG is here to be of service to the Filipino people by remaining steadfast in its duty to protect the country’s waters and safeguard every Filipino at sea. This is our commitment to the nation,” he added.—Joviland Rita/AOL, GMA News