Philippine authorities have strongly condemned the China Coast Guard (CCG) for allegedly placing a “floating barrier” in a disputed area. The incident has raised concerns about China’s actions in the region and their impact on Filipino fishermen’s livelihoods.
Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela revealed that a “floating barrier” approximately 300 meters in length was discovered during a routine maritime patrol on Friday. This obstruction, now a point of contention, is preventing Filipino Fishing Boats (FFBs) from entering the area and conducting their fishing activities.
“The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) strongly condemn the China Coast Guard’s (CCG’s) installation of a floating barrier in the Southeast portion of Bajo de Masinloc (BDM), which prevents Filipino Fishing Boats (FFBs) from entering the shoal and depriving them of their fishing and livelihood activities,” stated Tarriela on social media platform X, sharing photographic evidence of the incident.
According to Tarriela, the barrier was observed being installed by three China Coast Guard boats and a Chinese Maritime Militia’s service boat.
The Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessel arrived on the scene with more than 50 FFBs present.
Four CCG vessels attempted to drive away the BFAR vessel and FFBs, initiating a series of radio challenges and claiming violations of international and domestic law. However, Philippine authorities emphasized that they were conducting a routine patrol within the territorial sea of BDM.
Notably, CCG crews backed off when they realized that media personnel were aboard the BFAR vessel, shedding light on the incident.
“The PCG will continue to work closely with all concerned government agencies to address these challenges, uphold our maritime rights and protect our maritime domains,” Tarriela affirmed.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri has called on the PCG to take immediate action by “cutting and removing” the barrier installed by the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) in Bajo de Masinloc, Inquirer reported.
This move is seen as crucial not only to assert the Philippines’ sovereign rights but also to safeguard Filipino fishermen from potential accidents caused by these structures.
Zubiri emphasized, “First of all, they have no right to put any structures within our Exclusive Economic Zone, and secondly, these structures pose a danger to passing fishing boats that can get entangled on the lines and cause considerable damage to the propellers and engines of our fisherfolk.”
The PCG has reported that, in addition to the barrier, four CCG vessels initiated 15 radio challenges in an attempt to drive away Filipino fishermen and the BFAR vessel.
The Philippine Senate stands by the PCG’s efforts, applauding their commitment to safeguarding the country’s Exclusive Economic Zones and asserting their territorial rights in Bajo de Masinloc, well within the Philippines’ 12-nautical-mile territory.
The Daily Netizen 