More PCG, BFAR vessels to be deployed in West Philippine Sea

MANILA, Philippines — Manila has ordered increased deployment of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessels in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, aimed mainly at protecting the country’s interests and fishermen in the area.

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año announced yesterday that such initiatives are being carried out “in line with the vision of ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ in achieving food security as a pivotal element in national development.”

He declared that the Philippine government has taken decisive
 action to protect the rights and safety of Filipino fishermen in the waters of Bajo de Masinloc.

Año said the national government has directed the PCG and BFAR to deploy their vessels on rotation in the area starting this month.

He said the PCG vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) recently completed a successful patrol from Feb. 1 to 9 while the BFAR vessel BRP Datu Tamblot (MMOV-3005) has been conducting patrols in the waters of Panatag Shoal since Feb. 14 and continues to do so.

“These efforts aim to ensure the safety and security of our Filipino fishermen in their traditional fishing grounds. Further, both PCG and BFAR were also directed to distribute food packs, groceries and even fuel to support the fishermen in sustaining their activities in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc,” Año said.

He stressed that there is no truth to the statement of the China Coast Guard (CCG) that it expelled a BFAR vessel and PCG vessel that allegedly intruded into their waters.

“The National Security Council reaffirms the Philippines’ sovereign rights and jurisdiction over Bajo de Masinloc and its surrounding waters within the Philippine exclusive economic zone. These rights are recognized under international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Arbitral Award,” Año said.

“It is crucial to emphasize that the activities of the Filipino fishermen and the PCG and BFAR vessels in BDM are fully compliant with national laws and consistent with the Philippines’ position on the West Philippine Sea. Any attempts by state actors to intimidate or drive away our fishermen are