Chinese ships monitored near Panatag Shoal

MANILA, Philippines — Chinese naval and coast guard vessels and a research ship were spotted near Bajo de Masinloc (Panatag Shoal) off Zambales while the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) was distributing fuel to Filipino fishermen in the area, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported yesterday.

The PCG, said its spokesman for the West Philippine Sea Rear Adm. Jay Tarriela, monitored the presence of the Chinese vessels on Tuesday while it was assisting the BFAR in its support mission.

“PCG Commandant Vice Admiral Rommel Supangan directed the deployment of PCG surface and air assets to secure the mission, underscoring that the protection of Filipino fishermen and the delivery of government support to them at sea remain among the priorities of the Coast Guard in the West Philippine Sea,” Tarriela said without giving further details.

Some 50 Filipino fishermen around Panatag Shoal received fuel support under the Kadiwa ng Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda Program or KBBM, allowing them to stay longer in the fishing grounds, with reduced fuel costs.

The PCG said the BFAR mission was carried out successfully and with no untoward incidents.

Tarriela underscored that the support missions for the Filipino fisherfolk are aimed at promoting food security and maritime development in the West Philippine Sea.