PCG, BFAR ships to rotate at Bajo de Masinloc starting February

The National Security Council (NSC) said on Friday that the Philippines would rotate the deployment of vessels at the Bajo de Masinloc starting this February to protect fishermen.

In a statement, National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo Año said the move aims to ensure food security in the country.

“The national government has directed the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to deploy their vessels for rotational deployment in BDM starting this month,” Año said.

The PCG vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua completed its successful nine-day patrol at the Bajo de Masinloc from February 1 to 9, while the BFAR vessel BRP Datu Tamblot started its patrols on February 14.

Año denied the claims of the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) that it expelled PCG and BFAR vessels in the area as he reaffirmed the Philippines' sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the Bajo de Masinloc.

“There is no truth to the statement of the Chinese Coast Guard that it expelled a BFAR vessel and PCG vessel that allegedly intruded into their waters,” he said.

During its latest patrol, the PCG monitored eight Chinese vessels that shadowed and engaged local vessels.

“Despite these challenges, the PCG and BFAR vessels will maintain professionalism in dealing with any unlawful and provocative behavior exhibited by CCG and the Chinese Maritime Militia vessels,” Año said.

“This includes responding to dangerous and blocking maneuvers that blatantly disregard the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972.”
 
Tensions between China and the Philippines have risen in recent months as both sides traded accusations over a series of incidents in the West Philippine Sea.

China claims most of the South China Sea, parts of which are also claimed by the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration invalidated China's claim in a ruling on a case brought by the Philippines. Beijing rejected the ruling.

In January, the Philippines and China sought to de-escalate tensions in the South China Sea.

Both sides agreed to improve an existing maritime communication mechanism to prevent incidents and miscalculations in the disputed waters. — DVM, GMA Integrated News