China blocks PH mission to Panatag Shoal

WEST PHILIPPINE SEA — China has flexed its muscles yet again, illegally blocking a Philippine maritime mission and chasing away Filipino fishermen in the area.

In a show of force, China deployed some of its formidable sea assets in an attempt to foil a Philippine patrol mission and resupply activity for fishermen in Panatag Shoal, a lagoon that has long been contested by the two Asian neighbors.

Panatag Shoal is also referred to as Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal.

 

An imposing image of a China Coast Guard vessel patrolling the waters as the sun sets in the West Philippine Sea.

On Sunday, March 23, four ships of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) set sail for a maritime patrol and resupply mission to Panatag Shoal, which is well within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) but is occupied by China.

A Philippine flag flutters proudly in the face of CCG’s aggressive actions in the WPS.

Our team from GMA Integrated News was among the media organizations invited to join the mission.

Rough seas greeted our voyage as we entered WPS, a portent of tension-filled events that would unfold the following day, March 24.

A calming sight of two sea birds flying above a BFAR vessel amidst a tension-filled PHL mission in the WPS.

As the sun was rising, a colored gray ship appeared on the horizon, alerting the crew members of BFAR’s BRP Datu Balensusa. A closer look using binoculars, a crew member said: “Chinese navy ship.” Minutes later another Chinese warship joined the fray.

A Chinese warship sails from a distance as a Philippine maritime contingent navigates toward Panatag Shoal.

Though there were no radio challenges by the navy ships from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), their mere presence spoke volumes about China’s war-footing stance on the disputed waters.

The warships sailed from a relatively safe distance as the Philippine civilian vessels propelled toward the direction of Panatag Shoal.

A BFAR ship captain takes a closer look at a Chinese navy ship spotted in the WPS.

From out of nowhere, China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels appeared one after the other followed by radio challenges: “This is China Coast Guard  5303.  Leave immediately (inaudible) or we will take actions in accordance with the law (inaudible) over.”

A BFAR crew member replied: “China coast guard, this is Datu Balensusa MMOV 3009. You must stay clear of our route over.”

Aside from the four BFAR Multi-Mission Offshore Vessels, two Philippine Coast Guard vessels (PCG) also took part in the mission.  

However, there was no doubt who had the upperhand in terms of size and firepower. The Philippine vessels were not even half the size of the Chinese ships.

Two CCG vessels are seen through the glass window of a Philippine civilian ship.

The Chinese floating assets came face to face with the Philippine ships at approximately 28 nautical miles away from Panatag Shoal. It was a virtual stalemate.

A Filipino sailor monitors the movement of China Coast Guard vessel 5303.

It turned out to be an opportune moment for the Philippine contingent as Filipino fishermen were just within the vicinity.

Taking advantage of the situation, the BFAR ships began unloading fuel and distributing other much-needed supplies to the Filipino fishermen in the area.

Small fishing boats carrying empty fuel containers rushed toward the Philippine vessels, lining up to avail of free fuel and other forms government assistance.

Filipino fishermen take turns in filling up their containers with free fuel from the Philippine government.

Then came the sound of a blaring siren from CCG vessel 5303 that broke the six-hour standoff. It could only mean one thing — the CCG had seen enough.

Amid the loud siren, the CCG deployed three inflatable boats loaded with personnel.

They began going after the Filipino fishermen, chasing them away as if they were intruders. Ironically, Panatag shoal is around 120 nautical miles off mainland Luzon, well inside the 200-nautical mile Philippine EEZ. Conversely, China is more than 400 nautical miles away from the contested rock formation.

An inflatable boat loaded with CCG personnel tries to chase away Filipino fishermen.

“Masakit sa amin dahil siempre bawal na kami mangisda dito eh lugar namin ito lugar natin ito dapat tayo nagpapaalis sa kanila,” said local fisherman Buboy Ombahin.

Fishing boats sail through rough waters to rendezvous with a Philippine resupply mission.

Filipino fishers have been complaining about dwindling catch as a result of China’s aggressive actions in Panatag Shoal, a rich fishing ground which also serves as a sanctuary during inclement weather.

Despite the Chinese harassment, PCG spokesman for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela said, “I would like to believe that this is a very successful (mission). The mere fact na ang mga mangingisdang Filipino ay na-protektahan at nakatanggap ng (that Filipino fishermen got protected and received) fuel subsidy.”

After resupplying the local fishermen with their basic needs, the BFAR ships proceeded with their maritime patrol mission, hoping to navigate a little closer to Panatag Shoal. But the more advanced and sophisticated Chinese ships thwarted their every attempt.

Two CCG ships take their blocking positions to prevent Philippine vessels from sailing close to Panatag Shoal.

The BFAR sailors may have suffered a minor setback, but they remain unshaken in carrying out their mission even though a giant is standing in the way.

“Hindi kami titigil kasi 'pag tumigil kami parang isinuko na rin namin sa China ang Panatag Shoal,” a BFAR officer said.

(We will not stop because when we do, it's as if we surrendered Panatag Shoal to China.) — RSJ, GMA Integrated News