Bantay Dagat Mode: PH Sends More Ships to Bajo de Masinloc After New Harassment Reports

The Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources sent additional vessels to Bajo de Masinloc after fresh reports that Filipino fishermen were being harassed by Chinese ships over the weekend. The move was meant to secure the fishing ground and make sure local crews could keep working safely.

According to the report, two PCG vessels and five BFAR fishery patrol ships were dispatched after more than 20 Filipino fishing boats encountered harassment in the area. That detail matters kasi it shows the response was not symbolic only — may actual assets sent out to protect the boats already operating there.

Authorities also brought direct assistance for the fishermen, including fuel subsidies, food packs, and ice. Aside from the security angle, the support was designed to help them continue fishing despite higher fuel costs and the pressure created by the standoff in the West Philippine Sea.

PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan also ordered an aerial maritime domain awareness flight over the shoal. During the operation, the Philippine side documented six China Coast Guard vessels, 20 China Maritime Militia ships, and one People’s Liberation Army Navy warship in the area.

The PCG said it also recorded what it described as a first-of-its-kind radio broadcast from a China Coast Guard vessel announcing a planned “clearing operation” inside a specified zone. Philippine authorities said the deployment is part of continuing efforts to protect sovereignty, enforce international law, and defend the livelihood of Filipino fishermen. Source: https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/03/24/news/ph-deploys-vessels-to-protect-fishermen-amid-reported-chinese-harassment-in-bajo-de-masinloc/2305995