Fishers deny getting rescued by Chinese at Bajo de Masinloc

The Philippine Coast Guard and the Filipino fishermen injured during Saturday's fishing boat engine explosion at the Bajo de Masinloc (Panatag Shoal or Scarborough Shoal) denied that the Chinese had rescued them.

According to Chino Gaston's Monday 24 Oras report, not only did the China Coast Guard not rescue anyone, but they even blocked the boats that assisted the Filipinos.

The rescued fishermen said they had radioed for help and a Filipino boat came and brought them to the approaching PCG vessel - the BRP Sindangan.

"Noong time na-rescue kaming dalawa ng bangkang JDY, 'yun ang malapit sa lokasyon namin. Dinala kami sa Philippine Coast Guard," said the rescued fisherman Freddie.

The other rescued fisherman, Rolando Lumampas, vehemently denied that it was the Chinese that rescued them, despite their claims.

"Sila daw nag-rescue sa amin? Hindi! Gawa-gawa lang nila yun," said Lumampas. "Hindi. Ibig sabihin na lalapit sila para tutulong? Yan talaga gawain nila eh. Kahit mga bangkang malalaki 'pag lumalapit kami hinaharang kami, tinataboy."

The PCG, for its part, said the China Coast Guard had even blocked the Sindangan several times some 17 nautical miles from the Bajo de Masinloc and the distressed fishermen.

"We were subject to dangerous maneuvers, blocking by Chinese militia," said PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela. "We are still subjected to harassment by the other Chinese Coast Guard vessel."

The Sindangan entered Subic Bay, Zambales on Monday morning, with the damaged Filipino fishing boat in tow.

GMA Integrated News had sought comment from the Chinese Embassy, but had yet to respond as of posting time. —DVM/KG, GMA Integrated News