PCG probes accountability over PH-China sea incident

PHILIPPINE Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan vowed on Friday to hold accountable the Chinese-flagged bulk carrier that ran into a stationary Filipino fishing boat off Paluan, Occidental Mindoro, on Tuesday.

«We now are coordinating with the flag state. We have existing protocols to go after maritime offenders. Any users of our seas, if they commit an offense… we will go after them, anywhere in the world, through the existing protocols that we have with other coast guards,» Gavan said in an interview.

He said they have already coordinated with the Chinese government to investigate MV Tai Hang 8, the vessel that left five fishermen adrift after ramming their stationary boat. The ship was on its way to Indonesia when the allision occurred. It is currently in Sibutu, Tawi-Tawi.

«We are tracking the movement of the ship. We assure the public that we will be serious with this,» said Gavan.

The incident occurred between the waters of Paluan, Occidental Mindoro, which is already part of the West Philippine Sea, at approximately 4 p.m. on December 5.

The Filipino fishing boat was on a fishing expedition in the area and was moored to a fishing aggregation device when it was rammed by the foreign ship.

«The ill-fated fishing banca Ruel J and its crew, allegedly hit by MV Tai Hang 8, was said to have been left adrift as the foreign vessel continued its voyage unknowingly,» the PCG said in a statement.

The PCG said that after receiving the information regarding the incident at noon on Wednesday, December 6, they immediately coordinated with the boat owner in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

Three other Filipino fishing boats — FBCA Joker, FBCA Precious Heart and FBCA Jaschene — conducted rescue and towing operations off Pandan Island, Sablayan, in Occidental Mindoro.

The five crew members of Ruel J were identified as Junrey Sardan, Ryan Jay Daus, Bryan Pangatungam, Cristian Arizala and Joshua Barbas.

Upon arrival at the Port of Sablayan, the PCG said its personnel ensured the fishermen were all in good physical condition and provided them with essential supplies.

Further, the PCG reported that the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office also conducted