Regarding the circulating videos depicting the harassment of Filipino fishermen by the China Coast Guard in BDM, the PCG have successfully identified the origin of the videos and have taken steps to gather sworn statements from the individuals involved.
Mr. Jack Tabat from Zambales, has admitted that the video came from their boat, FB Legendary Jo. According to his statement, on 12 January 2024, Filipino fishermen who were collecting sea shells near the South entrance of BDM experienced harassment from the China Coast Guard. The fishermen were instructed to return the shells they had gathered to the sea and were subsequently driven away.
Mr. Tabat reported that there were five Chinese Coast Guard personnel on board a rubber boat who approached the Filipino fishermen. Four of them disembarked and chased after the fishermen. He also documented one Chinese Coast Guard personnel grabbing the fishing boat and preventing it from departing unless the fishermen threw back their gathered sea shells into the sea.
Currently, the PCG is awaiting the arrival of the fishing vessel, which was subjected to the China Coast Guard’s harassment. The PCG intend to gather testimonies from these fishermen as well.