PCG deploys 2 ships at Bajo de Masinloc to protect fishers

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Admiral Ronnie Javan directed the deployment of the BRP Malapascua (MRRV-4403) and BRP Sindangan (MRRV-4407) to the Scarborough Shoal, locally known as Panatag Shoal or Bajo de  Masinloc.

PCG spokesman Rear Admiral Armando  Balilo said on Monday that the deployment was to ensure the safety of Filipino fisherfolk in the area.

Balilo said that PCG personnel spoke to two local fishermen in the vicinity of the shoal and checked on the health and fishing operations of the FBCA PRINCESS YHAN YHAN (with 12 crew) and FBCA RUNDEL-1 (with seven crew).

Balilo said the China Coast Guard's  (CCG's) threat to arrest non-Chinese fishermen in the West  Philippine Sea (WPS) was also discussed.

The  PCG assured the fishermen that its personnel would uphold their safety and provide security during their fishing activities. The Coast Guard also distributed food and medicines to Filipino fishermen to augment their supplies.

Earlier, Filipino fishermen sought the presence of the PCG while they fished at the Bajo de Masinloc following the warning issued by China that it would detain “foreign trespassers” for up to 60 days without trial in what is legally Philippine territory.

Tropical Fish Gatherer Association President Joeffrey Elad had said it would be better to be escorted by the PCG while they fished in the area.

Meanwhile, Balilo disclosed that the BRP Sindangan was shadowed by CCG-3106 at approximately 800 yards from its starboard bow during the entire routine maritime patrol. There were two other CCG vessels in the vicinity waters off the Bajo de Masinloc.

On the other hand, the BRP Teresa Magbanua continued its maritime operations off the Sabina Shoal and in the vicinity of Palawan in addition to supporting other activities of the government.

Meanwhile, in his report on 24 Oras Monday, Chino Gaston said the PCG brought supplies and checked on the fishers’ welfare in the disputed waters.

There have been no arrests so far by China against Filipino fishermen.

Earlier, a discussion took place between government officials and the fishing community of Masinloc. 

The Coast Guard assured that they will increase their patrols to make sure the fishermen are safe.

“Wala pong nagbabawal sa atin na mangisda sa Bajo De Masinloc kaya ang mga barko ng PCG ay patuloy at salitan po na nagpapatrol. Ang advice lang namin ay iwasan po natin lalo na yung maliit na grupo na lumapit mangisda sa Chinese Coast Guard vessels,” said PCG Commander Severino Destura Jr.

(No one is preventing us from fishing in Bajo de Masinloc and the PCG will continue its patrols. Our advice, particularly to small groups, is to avoid fishing near the Chinese Coast Guard vessels.) 

Senator Francis Tolentino, chairperson of the Senate Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones, cautioned the fishers.

“Paalaala na mag-iingat din tayo. Pipilitin po nating makatulong ang ibang sangay ng pamahalaan na magampanan yung kanilang tungkulin,” Tolentino said.

(I am reminding everyone to be careful. We will make sure other branches of government provide assistance.)

An article of Global Times, a Chinese news publication, announced that the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has sent a Type 75 Landing Helicopter Dock to the South China Sea.  

The move is reportedly part of preparations in whatever emergency that may arise from alleged provocation from the Philippines.

The deployment occurred a few days after the start of a China Coast Guard policy that it will arrest foreigners entering what they claim is Chinese territory in the South China Sea.

Last June 2-3, Chinese forces conducted a military exercise involving another Landing Helicopter Dock and some hovercraft at Escoda Shoal which is inside the Philippine EEZ.

In a tweet on X (formerly Twitter), PCG Spokesperson for the WPS Commodore Jay Tarriela the deployment of the amphibious ships to Sabina or Escoda Shoal was meant to harass a scientific survey of Filipino scientists in the area.

According to security analyst Ray Powell the addition of the Chinese warship possibly sends one message.

“It’s definitely trying to intimidate the Philippines. For one thing it’s a large navy vessel with helicopters in it. That gives it the capability, it can get helicopters if there are additional surveys at Escoda Shoal involving the MSI and PCG. They can quickly scramble helicopters to intimidate and harass,” said Powell. 

Powell added the Philippines should be prepared if China makes good on its threat to arrest and detain foreigners in the territory they are claiming as theirs.

“The Philippines and the two US allies should be wargaming out what might happen if China carries through its threat and takes the opportunity and arrest somebody and bring them to Hainan Island for an extended period because that can easily turn into a hostage diplomacy kind of situation.”— DVM/RF, GMA Integrated News