Photo courtesy of BFAR.
QUEZON CITY (PIA) — The resupply operation of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) for the Filipino fisherfolk in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc was successful despite the attempts by the Chinese Coast Giard (CCG) to prevent the mission.
In its account of the incident, BFAR said, “In the early morning of October 8, 2024, two BFAR vessels, BRP Datu Cabaylo (MMOV 3301) and BRP Datu Sanday (MMOV 2002), were conducting a routine resupply mission to Filipino fisherfolk in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea when three Chinese Coast Guard vessels and one PLA-Navy vessel approached at close distance and shadowed their movement.”
The BFAR said that the CCG vessels attempted to impede the resupply mission but were unsuccessful.
It added that the CCG vessels also opened and directed their water cannons at the BFAR vessels, but this failed to reach the Philippine civilian boats.
“Notwithstanding the dangerous maneuvers and opening of water cannons, both BFAR vessels were able to resupply the Filipino fisherfolk in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc. The two MMOVs resupplied a total of seven (7) Filipino mother boats and 16 small fishing boats who continue to fish in our waters,” the BFAR stated.
The BFAR added, “We commend the professionalism and commitment to duty of our BFAR personnel who conduct these missions despite the risks involved. The BFAR will not be deterred from fulfilling its mission of patrolling all Philippine maritime zones and providing support and assistance to Filipino fisherfolk in the West Philippine Sea pursuant to its mandate of enforcing all laws, rules, and regulations in the management and conservation of fishery resources.”
On Aug. 25, eight Chinese vessels were also reported to have harassed BRP Datu Sanday while traveling from Hasa-Hasa Shoal to Escoda Shoal to resupply Filipino fisherfolk with diesel, food, and medical supplies.
In that incident, CCG ship 21551 even rammed the BFAR vessel near Escoda Shoal, according to the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS). (PIA DMD)
