West PH Sea Tense Again as Patrol Ships Move In to Shield Pinoy Fishermen

Tumaas ulit ang tensyon sa Bajo de Masinloc after Philippine authorities sent several patrol vessels to the area to protect Filipino fishermen from reported harassment by Chinese ships.

According to The Manila Times, the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources deployed two PCG vessels and five BFAR ships after more than 20 Filipino fishing boats reportedly ran into trouble over the weekend.

The operation was meant to secure the fishing ground and keep local fishermen safe habang tuloy pa rin ang kanilang hanapbuhay. Authorities also handed out fuel subsidies, food packs, and ice to help fishing crews stay active despite rising fuel costs.

The Coast Guard also conducted an aerial monitoring mission over the shoal. During the patrol, personnel documented six China Coast Guard vessels, 20 China Maritime Militia ships, and one People’s Liberation Army Navy warship in the area.

Officials said one Chinese vessel even announced over radio that it planned to carry out a so-called clearing operation inside specified coordinates. For the Philippines, the deployment was both a security move and a signal that the government intends to keep backing Filipino fishermen in contested waters.

Source: The Manila Times