PCG reports Chinese Navy harassment of Filipino fishermen, deploys aid 

Disclosed by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), a Filipino fishing vessel was harassed by the Chinese navy while en route to its fishing grounds in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough or Panatag Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Jan. 13, signaling how humanitarian missions now intersect with maritime defense.

The incident occurred around noon west of the Scarborough Shoal, an area off Zambales that has been under Beijing’s control since 2012 following a standoff between Manila.

The identities of the fishermen were not disclosed, except for the boat captain, Ryan Jacinto.

Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for WPS, emphasized that the fishing boat “Prince LJ” with at least six fishermen onboard was heading west of Bajo de Masinloc when it encountered the People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) vessel.

“The PLA-N vessel with bow number 621 and a China Coast Guard vessel approached the fishing boat at close range, within 30 meters, while blaring sirens in an apparent attempt to block its route toward fishing grounds west of the shoal,” he said.

The captain diverted southeast to avoid the ships but reported being closely trailed by the China Coast Guard vessel.

PCG’s BRP Cape San Agustin (MRRV-4408) then met the fishing boat, allowing Jacinto to report the incident around 3:48 p.m.

He also gave a detailed account of the incident as PCG personnel documented the encounter through photos and video that showed the Chinese vessels’ actions.

The PCG provided logistical support to the fishermen by assisting with the transfer of 10 containers of diesel to the fishing boat so it could maintain its operations.

Rear Admiral Roy Vincent T. Trinidad, a Philippine Navy spokesman, described the incident as part of China’s “coercive and aggressive actions” meant to discourage Filipino fishermen. 

“These actions are designed to destroy the will to fish of our fishermen,” he said in a media briefing.

PCG Commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan vowed that the Coast Guard will continue to protect Filipino fishermen, especially in contested features in the WPS.

“The Philippine Coast Guard remains steadfast in defending the safety and maritime rights of our fishermen, in full accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Arbitral Award,” he stated.

China has not yet responded to the latest allegations of PCG about its vessels tormenting a Filipino fisherman in Bajo de Masinloc.