By Brian Campued
Three Filipino fisherfolk were injured after China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese maritime militia (CMM) vessels blasted water cannons against Filipino fishing boats (FFBs) near Sabina or Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on Friday.
In a statement on Saturday, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commo. Jay Tarriela said two CCG vessels along with accompanying CMMs also performed “dangerous blocking maneuvers” against some 20 FFBs in the area.
“In a brazen escalation, small CCG Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) deliberately cut the anchor lines of several FFBs, endangering the vessels and their crews amid strong currents and high waves,” Tarriela said.
Two FFBs also suffered “significant damage” from the high-pressure water cannon blasts.
The PCG vessels—BRP Malapascua and BRP Cape Engaño—deployed to respond to the affected fisherfolk were likewise subjected to “repeated blocking and dangerous maneuvers” by three CCG vessels.
“Despite these unprofessional and unlawful interferences, the PCG successfully reached the fishermen this morning and provided immediate medical attention to the injured, along with essential supplies,” Tarriela said.
The PCG ships have likewise coordinated with government-funded fish carrier MV Pamalakaya to help ensure the safety of the fishermen while they continue fishing.
Fuel, ice, and food provisions were likewise distributed to the fisherfolk community under the government’s Kadiwa para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda program.
“The PCG calls on the Chinese Coast Guard to adhere to internationally recognized standards of conduct, prioritizing the preservation of life at sea over pretensions of law enforcement that jeopardize the lives of innocent fishermen,” Tarriela said. (with report from Patrick de Jesus / PTV News)
-jpv
