China installs barrier in Bajo de Masinloc

THE China Coast Guard (CCG) has installed a floating barrier near the Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea to keep out Filipino fishing vessels, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported on Sunday.

Bajo de Masinloc lies within the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ)

The PCG said a 300-meter-long barrier was deployed in the southeast portion of the shoal.

The barrier was discovered by the PCG and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) personnel aboard the BRP Datu Bankaw during a routine patrol on Saturday.

Filipino fishermen who frequent the area said three CCG rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) and a Chinese maritime militia service boat put up the barrier just as the BFAR vessel was approaching.

The CCG vessels usually install floating barriers whenever they monitor a large number of Filipino fishermen in the area, the PCG said.

In a joint statement, the PCG and BFAR condemned the deployment of the barrier, saying it prevents Filipino fishing boats from entering the shoal.

The BFAR personnel distributed grocery items to Filipino fishermen on 50 boats near the shoal.

They also provided fuel subsidies to the fishermen.

At least four CCG vessels with bow numbers 3065, 3066, 3105 and 3301 attempted to drive away the BFAR vessel.

In their radio challenges, the CCG crew issued radio warnings to the BFAR vessel and Filipino fishermen were encroaching into Chinese territory.

The BFAR vessel responded to the radio calls and emphasized that they were on a routine patrol within Philippine territory.

«Upon realizing the presence of media personnel onboard the BFAR vessel, the CCG vessels maintained a safe distance and moved away,» the PCG said.

PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu expressed his