(Photo & logo/ PCG)
By Gabriela Baron
A Chinese navy tailed a vessel of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported Sunday, June 19.
In an incident report, PCG said that on June 12, the PCG-operated BFAR ship, BRP Francisco Dagohoy, departed from Puerto Princesa to Pag-asa Island as part of its Independence Day commemoration.
PCG said the mission objective was to provide fisherfolk on Pag-asa Island with fishing gear and post-harvest equipment.
On June 15, as BRP Francisco Dagohoy began its journey back to Puerto Princesa, the vessel received a radio challenge from a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy Type 054A frigate with bow number 549.
The PCG also responded and challenged the presence of the Navy vessel.
“Within a few moments, the PLA Navy increased her velocity, swiftly approaching and ultimately remaining behind BRP Francisco Dagohoy, at a distance of roughly [one] nautical mile,” PCG said.
PCG said the Chinese navy ship only terminated its trailing of the BFAR vessel when the latter reached a distance of around 10 nautical miles away from Pag-asa Island.
“It is worthy to note that throughout the pursuit, PCG personnel on board had continually radio challenged the PLA Navy vessel until it ceased her actions,” the Coast Guard added. -ag
