PCG, BFAR deliver fuel aid to 50 Filipino fishing boats near Bajo de Masinloc

MANILA, October 29 ------ The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) provided fuel assistance, ice, and water to around 50 Filipino fishing boats at Bajo de Masinloc under the Kadiwa ng Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda (KBBM) Program.

PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela said the initiative aims to ease fishermen’s expenses amid high fuel prices and ensure their safety at sea. "Kaya we decided to carry out the KBBM project for two reasons. Una, para maibsan ang mataas na presyo ng fuel para makatulong sa ating mayang isdang Pilipino. Secondly, of course, the constant guidance of the President, siguraduhin ang kaligtasan ng mga mayang isda," Tarriela told reporters in an interview in Manila.

The PCG deployed BRP Malapascua to escort the BFAR vessel MV Mamalakaya and conducted a maritime domain awareness (MDA) flight to monitor the operation. Tarriela said the PCG documented two China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels — CCG 3107 and CCG 3306 — as well as a People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warship near the shoal. The Chinese vessels did not disrupt the distribution of assistance. "Surprisingly, they never came near sa ating mga mangingisda para guluhin yung pamamigay natin ng ayuda sa ating fishermen," the official said.

CHINESE RESEARCH VESSEL

The PCG also monitored Chinese research vessel 2299, which has been operating near Bajo de Masinloc since October 3.

Tarriela said the PCG believes the vessel may be conducting unauthorized marine scientific research. "We would like to believe that, once again, they’re conducting illegal scientific research," Tarriela said.

He noted that the China vessel had "obviously" no clearance from the Department of Foreign Affairs to carry out possible research activities. Tarriela added that the PCG continues to monitor and challenge the research vessel to prevent the "normalization of unauthorized research activities."

Source: news.abs-cbn.com