The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said it is conducting an investigation on a January 9 Ayungin Shoal incident involving a China Coast Guard vessel (CCGV) that allegedly drove Filipino fishermen away.
Lito Al-os, the captain of Filipino fishing boat Ken-Ken, reported this incident to the PCG on January 20.
The PCG said CCGV 5204 maneuvered towards the Filipino vessel at 800 yards and deployed a rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) with personnel gesturing the local fishermen to leave.
This prompted the fishermen to depart Ayungin Shoal, with CCGV 5204 reportedly continuing to shadow them while heading to Boxall Reef.
The PCG Task Force Pag-asa immediately sent more Coast Guard vessels to the West Philippine Sea to boost its presence and ensure the safety and security of Filipino fishermen and their livelihood.
As of Saturday, the PCG continues to gather evidence to be forwarded to the Department of Foreign Affairs which can be used for diplomatic action.
The PCG said it will continue to uphold rule-based measures to protect the country’s exclusive economic zones at all costs, in compliance with the directive of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista and CG Admiral Artemio Abu. – Katrina Gracia Consebido-ag
