In a significant demonstration of the Philippine government’s unwavering support for its fishermen, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) successfully completed a vital aid distribution mission in the West Philippine Sea today, despite aggressive actions from Chinese maritime forces. This operation, part of the “Kadiwa sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda” initiative, underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding the livelihoods of Filipino fishermen and asserting maritime jurisdiction.
Following a Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) flight on October 7 that revealed a considerable presence of Filipino fishing boats near Bajo de Masinloc and Escoda Shoal, PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan swiftly deployed four multi-role response vessels: the 97-meter BRP Teresa Magbanua and the 44-meter BRP Cabra to Bajo de Masinloc, and the 97-meter BRP Melchora Aquino along with another 44-meter PCG vessel to Escoda Shoal. In close collaboration with BFAR, an additional 11 vessels were mobilized—6 to Bajo de Masinloc and 5 to Escoda Shoal—to facilitate the distribution of essential supplies.
Operations began at 5 a.m., with PCG personnel engaging over 45 fishing boats at both locations. The joint teams provided critical support, including fuel subsidies, five tons of crushed ice, and 345 grocery packs to nearly 100 vessels, enabling fishermen to extend their fishing expeditions.
At Bajo de Masinloc, a People’s Liberation Army Navy vessel 568 issued warnings from a distance regarding a live-fire exercise in the area, raising concerns among Filipino fishermen. Despite the intimidation tactics, the PCG and BFAR teams continued their mission, successfully delivering over 50,000 liters of fuel to approximately 55 boats, earning heartfelt gratitude from the fishermen for the dual support of subsidies and security.
Meanwhile, at Escoda Shoal, BRP Melchora Aquino and accompanying PCG vessels provided protective presence as they escorted Filipino fishing boats to BFAR support ships. A PLA Navy helicopter conducted low-altitude monitoring flights, further attempting to intimidate the fishermen. Nevertheless, the mission succeeded in distributing 48,000 liters of fuel to over 35 boats, reinforcing food security and operational sustainability for the fishing community.
In total, the joint operation disbursed 98,000 liters of fuel oil, bolstering the resilience of the local fishing sector. Complementing these efforts, the Department of Agriculture procured 35 tons of freshly caught fish from Bajo de Masinloc fishermen later that afternoon, ensuring that the fishermen could continue their work.
The operation took place amidst an increased Chinese maritime presence, with 7 CCG vessels and 10 Chinese Maritime Militia in Bajo de Masinloc, and 8 CCG vessels accompanied by 9 Maritime Militia in Escoda Shoal. Yet, the PCG and BFAR teams remained steadfast, successfully achieving all mission objectives.
“The Philippine Coast Guard, alongside our partners at BFAR, will never back down in defending the rights and livelihoods of our Filipino fishermen,” stated Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, PCG Commandant. “This mission exemplifies President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s firm policy: We will neither waver nor surrender a single square inch of our territory to any foreign power.”
