MANILA — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) successfully carried out a maritime patrol of the Sandy Cays near Pagasa Island and a resupply mission for fishermen in Escoda Shoal.
The Sandy Cays, sandbars close to Pagasa Island, serve as vital fishing grounds for Filipino fishermen.
Despite multiple radio challenges from the Chinese Coast Guard Vessel 5202, the patrol was successful.
“Mahalaga ang Sandy Cays sa atin. Alam natin isla ng Pag-asa, nag-generate ng territorial sea. As far as Philippine government is concerned, mapapag-patrolan natin ito,” said Jay Tarriela, spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea.
“This patrol proves that there is no truth to claims that the Chinese have taken control of the Sandy Cays,” Tarriela added.
During the mission, BFAR also conducted a resupply operation in Escoda Shoal, aiding several Filipino fishing boats.
Personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua assisted in the ‘Bayanihan sa Karagatan’ mission, providing free fuel to more than a dozen Filipino boats.
“The objective of BFAR was to distribute fuel in the West Philippine Sea. They went to Escoda Shoal and distributed a total of 6.9 tonnes of fuel,” Tarriela said.
China’s oceanographic research vessel, Ke Xue San Hao, and a large Chinese ship were observed in Escoda Shoal. The China Coast Guard deployed rubber boats to monitor the activities closely, but PCG personnel ensured the safety of the Filipino fishermen and BFAR team.
BFAR also conducted aerial inspections of the China-occupied Subi Reef and the cays. Flying at an altitude of 300-500 feet, they observed several high-rise buildings and an airstrip in Subi Reef.
Subi Reef, located just 12 nautical miles from Pag-asa (Thitu) Island, remains a Chinese military base in the West Philippine Sea. It is one of the three largest man-made islands constructed by China, along with Fiery Cross and Mischief Reef.
Commodore Jay Tarriela noted that two months after China’s implementation of their detention policy, no Filipino fishermen have been detained by the Chinese Coast Guard.
“Mag-second month na since i-implement nila ito, mula Bajo de Masinloc, wala pa tayong mangingisdang nahuhuli, wala pang nababalitaan o nairereport na nahaharass,” Tarriela said.
“Ating inaaksyunan ang reports kung saan they are harassed. We are asserting our rights in these waters,” he added.