By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) reaffirmed their commitment to protecting Filipino fisherfolk in the Kalayaan Island Group, amid China’s continuing harassment of Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea.
This comes on the heels of a recent incident in the territorial waters of Pag-asa Island, where BRP Datu Pagbuaya faced dangerous and provocative maneuvers from the China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese Maritime Militia vessels on Sunday morning, interrupting the “Kadiwa para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda” (KBBM) initiative taking place during that time.
CCG vessel 21559 approached BRP Datu Pagbuaya, activating its water cannons and eventually ramming the stern of the Philippine vessel, inflicting minor structural damage but not causing injuries to the crew.
The PCG and BFAR said in a statement, “Despite these bullying tactics and aggressive actions, the PCG and BFAR remain resolute. We will not be intimidated or driven away, as our presence in the Kalayaan Island Group is crucial for protecting the rights and livelihoods of Filipino fisherfolk.”
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan echoed this determination, stating, “The harassment we faced today only strengthens our resolve. Filipino fisherfolk depend on these waters, and neither water cannons nor ramming will deter us from fulfilling our commitment to President Ferdinand Marcos to not surrender a square inch of our territory to any foreign power.”
The United States and Japan meanwhile condemned China’s recent aggression against the Philippines, citing such as disobedience to the international law and maritime order on the high seas.
The KBBM initiative, a collaborative effort by the PCG, BFAR, and Department of Agriculture (D.A), supports Filipino fishing boats operating in the contested waters of the West Philippine Sea by providing Filipino fisherfolk with fuel subsidies and ice to help them extend their fishing activities and boost their income through the government’s procurement of their catch at fair prices. (with report from Patrick de Jesus | PTV News)
avds
