PH fishing banca hit by Chinese vessel in Occidental Mindoro —PCG

Five Filipino fishermen were rescued after a Chinese-flagged bulk carrier vessel allegedly hit their boat in the waters near Paluan, Occidental Mindoro, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Thursday.

In a statement, the PCG said the allision between Filipino boat FBCA Ruel J and Chinese-flagged vessel MV TAI HANG 8 happened at 4 p.m. on Tuesday.

“Per accounts from the survivors, the boat was lying in Paluan waters attached to a ‘payao’ (a type of fish aggregating device used in the Philippines),” the PCG said.

“The ill-fated fishing banca Ruel J and its crew, alleged reportedly hit by MV TAI HANG 8, and was said to be left adrift as the foreign vessel continued its voyage unknowingly,” it added.

The rescued fishermen were identified as Junrey Sardan, Ryan Jay Daus, Bryan Pangatungam, Cristian Arizala, and Joshua Barbas.

The fishermen underwent safety check-ups and received first aid from the municipal government and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

According to the PCG, the captain and owner of the fishing banca were advised to file a marine protest.

“The Coast Guard assured that the incident would be reported to MV TAI HANG 8's flag state and Port State Control office in adherence to maritime incident procedures,” the PCG said.

“The Coast Guard is diligently engaged in coordinating with the ship's company, aiming to uncover the truth surrounding the incident,” it added. 

Boat owner appeals for help

Meanwhile, the owner of the distressed boat appealed for help from the management of the foreign ship, saying the tragic incident negatively impacted their livelihood. 

“Hiling ko lang po sana na panagutan naman nila 'yung iniwan nilang danyos sa amin. Kasi doon sa bangka na 'yun, marami pong pamilya na umaasa. Marami pong pamilya na nawalan ng hanapbuhay,” said Jaziel Salinas in Chino Gaston’s report on “24 Oras."

(I just hope they will take accountability and pay for the damage. A lot of families rely on that boat for livelihood.)

“Nananawagan ako sa ng barko na kung maaari, maging patas naman kayo panagutan ninyo naman po 'yung ginawa ninyo sa amin at tsaka huwag ninyo naman po kami basta-basta iiwan,” Salinas added. 

(We are appealing for the ship owner to be fair and claim responsibility for the incident. Do not just leave us behind.)

The coast guard and the local government distributed aid to the affected fisherfolks. 

Following the protocols, the PCG said it contacted the port where the Chinese-flagged vessel is set to dock. It will also send a letter to the ship’s flag state. 

“The report says the vessel is Chinese-flagged and we are coordinating with the flag state. There's an existing protocol to run after offenders of that nature," Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, PCG Commandant, said. 

“Any users of our seas, if they commit mistakes, they commit offense, in our waters, we will go after them anywhere in the world with an existing protocol with other coast guards,” he said.—Joviland Rita/Sundy Locus/ VAL, GMA Integrated News