WPS

More Coast Guard patrols pushed

October 5, 2023 Jester P. Manalastas 260 views

THERE is a need to have more Philippine Coast Guard patrols in the waters.

This is the call of House Deputy Minority leader and ACT Teachers Party-list Representative France Castro to the government in order to prevent incidents of harassment and ramming of boats of the Filipino fishermen.

Castro expressed sadness over reports that three Filipino fishermen have died after an oil tanker rammed their boat before dawn of October 2.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of this act and we are calling on Congress to probe this incident. We also hope that the funds for the Philippine Coast Guard would be increased,” Castro said.

Based on initial report from the PCG, a surviving crew member of the fishing boat Dearyn said their mother boat was rammed at around 4:30 am on Monday, October 2, while it was preparing to fish some 85 nautical miles northwest of the shoal. The mother boat sank, killing three of its crew members including its captain.

The incident was reported to the PCG at around 10 am on Tuesday, October 3, after the 11 surviving crew members of the Dearyn and their 3 dead finally made their way to Barangay Cato, Infanta, Pangasinan.

The PCG said the foreign commercial vessel was identified as the Pacific Anna, a crude oil tanker registered under the flag of the Marshall Islands.

“Given that commercial vessels have the right of innocent passage, the incident could have been prevented if there were more PCG patrols in Bajo de Masinloc, aside from preventing such accidents they can also be more effective in protecting our waters and our fisherfolk,” the lawmaker said.

“Besides harassment of Filipino fisherfolk by China’s coast guard and militia have been happening for years and many were documented,” she added.

Castro recalled the Gem Ver 1 fishing vessel as well as the incidents of Chinese coast guard water blasting Filipino fishing boats.

“In the last Congress we even filed House Resolution No. 8 to investigate the ramming by a Chinese vessel of Gem-Ver 1 and leaving its crew at sea. Then Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian, said then that it was fake news but in fact Chinese attacks against Filipino fishermen are increasing,” Castro said.

SUCCESSFUL RESUPPLY MISSION

Meanwhile, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) on Wednesday evening announced that another successful rotation and resupply (RORE) mission has been conducted for the military personnel stationed aboard the BRP Sierra Madre (LT-57) which is standing watch at Ayungin Shoal.

In a statement, NTF-WPS said the mission was done by combined efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)’s Western Command and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) upon instruction of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

“Despite attempts by a significant number of China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) vessels to block, harass, and interfere with the routine RORE mission, Philippine supply ships Unaizah May 1 and Unaizah May 2, escorted by PCG vessels BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) and BRP Sindangan (MRRV-4407), successfully reached BRP Sierra Madre,” it added.

The Philippines’ resupply missions and maintenance of BRP Sierra Madre are part of regular operations in line with domestic and international law and ensure the safety and well-being of Filipino military personnel.

“These missions are a legitimate exercise of the administrative functions of the Philippine Government over the WPS, in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the 2016 Arbitral Award, and domestic laws,” NTF-WPS said.

The task force also said the Marcos administration will remain steadfast in adhering to a rules-based international order.

“The NTF-WPS commends the dedication, determination, and professionalism exhibited by the men and women of our Armed Forces and Coast Guard,” it noted.