China vessel warned: Keep distance from Philippines fishers
MANILA, Philippines — As the China Coast Guard (CCG) approaches its second month of trespassing in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) warned the former’s ship to stay away from Filipino fisherfolk sailing and fishing in the area.
PCG’s 97-meter patrol ship BRP Teresa Magbanua detected CCG 3304 approximately 103 nautical miles from Zambales last Jan. 31, according to a statement from PCG’s spokesman on West Philippine Sea issues Commodore Jay Tarriela.
A female PCG officer onboard BRP Teresa Magbanua sent a radio challenge to the CCG ship, telling it to “keep your distance away from the Filipino fishing boats as you are compromising their safety and the safety of Filipino fishers onboard.”
“The Philippines holds sovereign rights over these waters, and our nationals have the right to fish here, in accordance with Republic Act 12064, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Arbitral Award,” she added.
The landmark 2016 ruling upheld the Philippines’ sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea covered by its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone, as well as junked China’s claims over the entire South China Sea.
The said pronouncement was in addition to the usual radio challenges aimed at driving CCG away from patrolling in the West Philippine Sea.
PCG personnel onboard BRP Teresa Magbanua also distributed food packs to the local fishermen, Tarriela noted.
“The Philippine Coast Guard remains steadfast in its commitment to protect the rights and welfare of Filipino fishermen and ensure the security of the nation’s exclusive economic Zzone, all while adhering to international law and avoiding provocative actions,” he wrote.
CCG ships have been patrolling in the West Philippine Sea, particularly near Panatag Shoal, also called Bajo de Masinloc, since Jan. 4.