China Coast Guard shadows BFAR vessel in West PH Sea ---- By GMA Integrated News

The China Coast Guard (CCG) shadowed a vessel of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) that was providing assistance to Filipino fishermen in the highly-contested West Philippine Sea. At a distance of about 150 kilometers from Palawan, this was one of the closest times the CCG followed a BFAR ship, according to the report of Raffy Tima on 24 Oras on Wednesday. The CCG 21551 trailed the BRP Datu Pagbuaya from Escoda Shoal to Lawak and Patag Islands. The Chinese vessel did not stop there as it tailed on the Filipino vessel from Iroquois Reef to Recto Bank where the Datu Pagbuaya distributed fuel to Pinoy fishermen. The CCG even went near the BRP Datu Pagbuaya to record and take photos of its activities. The Recto Bank, which supposedly has oil deposits that are two to three times larger than the Malampaya natural gas field, is within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Despite this, the CCG continued its surveillance on the BFAR vessel even as it concluded its mission and returned to Bataan. This provoked the Filipino vessel to issue a radio challenge to the Chinese ship. “In accordance with the international and Philippine national laws, you are within the Philippine EEZ and Philippine mainland. You are conducting illegal activity under Philippine laws. Be advised to stop your current actions. Your actions will be reported and will prejudice our countries’ relations,” the Filipino’s warned. While the Chinese did not stop the resupply operations, the CCG has strictly monitored every move of the BRP Datu Pagbuaya for 10 days. Filipino fishermen in the Sabina Shoal said they are worried for their livelihood as they lament that they were not able to make a catch for three months as Chinese vessels continue to make their presence felt in the disputed region.—Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News

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