MANILA -- The 97-meter Philippine Coast Guard Vessel, BRP Teresa Magbanua, has successfully concluded her nine-day maritime patrol in the vicinity of Bajo De Masinloc. On February 1, 2024 the deployment of the vessel was ordered by CG Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard, to ensure the safety of Filipino fishermen in the area and to safeguard them from further harassment.

The Philippines has sovereignty over Bajo De Masinloc and its territorial sea, and sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the surrounding waters falling within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as measured from the Philippine archipelagic baselines, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award. The activities of the Filipino fisherfolk and of the PCG in the area are consistent with national laws and the Philippines’ position on the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Throughout the patrol, the PCG vessel closely monitored and supported a total of 100 Filipino Fishermen in 14 Filipino Fishing Boats. The PCG crew distributed food packs and groceries to assist the fishermen in their activities in the vicinity of Bajo De Masinloc, a traditional fishing ground for Filipino fisherfolk. The Filipino fishermen expressed gratitude to the national government, emphasizing that the presence of the PCG vessel enhances their confidence to continue fishing in Bajo de Masinloc.

Over the course of the nine-day patrol, the PCG vessel monitored the presence of four Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels with bow numbers 3105, 3302, 3063, and 3064. These CCG vessels shadowed the PCG vessel on more than 40 occasions, with the closest distance being 176 meters from its side. The CCG vessels performed dangerous and blocking maneuvers at sea against BRP Teresa Magbanua four times, with the CCG vessels crossing the bow of the PCG vessel twice, recklessly disregarding the "Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea”(COLREGS) once again. Additionally, the PCG vessel observed the presence of four Chinese Maritime Militia vessels.

Nevertheless, the PCG vessel professionally engaged both the CCG and CMM vessels through radio reiterating the clear and principled position of the Philippines in accordance with international law.

The Philippine Coast Guard assures the public that we will remain steadfast in our commitment to the President and the Filipino nation. The white hulls of the PCG will consistently ensure the safety and welfare of Filipino fishermen, supporting the vision of “Bagong Pilipinas” in achieving food security as a pivotal element in national development. (PCG)