China Coast Guard harassed Pinoy fishermen in Bajo de Masinloc, PCG confirms | ABS-CBN
China Coast Guard harassed Pinoy fishermen in Bajo de Masinloc, PCG confirms
China Coast Guard harassed Pinoy fishermen in Bajo de Masinloc, PCG confirms
ABS-CBN News
Published Jan 21, 2024 06:02 PM PHT
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MANILA -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Sunday confirmed the reported harassment that Filipino fishermen experienced from the China Coast Guard in Bajo de Masinloc in Zambales, which is the southeast entrance of the Scarborough Shoal.
MANILA -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Sunday confirmed the reported harassment that Filipino fishermen experienced from the China Coast Guard in Bajo de Masinloc in Zambales, which is the southeast entrance of the Scarborough Shoal.
Commodore Jay Tarriela of the PCG said they have tracked the origin of the videos circulating online which showed personnel from the China Coast Guard accosting Filipino fishermen after the latter were spotted collecting sea shells in the area.
Commodore Jay Tarriela of the PCG said they have tracked the origin of the videos circulating online which showed personnel from the China Coast Guard accosting Filipino fishermen after the latter were spotted collecting sea shells in the area.
"The PCG have successfully identified the origin of the videos and have taken steps to gather sworn statements from the individuals involved," said Tarriela.
"The PCG have successfully identified the origin of the videos and have taken steps to gather sworn statements from the individuals involved," said Tarriela.
"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. 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."
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Based on Tabat's testimony, five Chinese Coast Guard personnel on board a rubber boat approached them. Four of them disembarked the rubber boat and went after the Filipino fishermen.
Based on Tabat's testimony, five Chinese Coast Guard personnel on board a rubber boat approached them. Four of them disembarked the rubber boat and went after the Filipino 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," said Tarriela.
"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," said Tarriela.
"Currently, the PCG is awaiting the arrival of the fishing vessel this evening, which was subjected to the China Coast Guard's harassment. We intend to gather testimonies from the fishermen as well."
"Currently, the PCG is awaiting the arrival of the fishing vessel this evening, which was subjected to the China Coast Guard's harassment. We intend to gather testimonies from the fishermen as well."
Beijing claims almost the entire South China Sea and has ignored an international tribunal ruling that its assertions have no legal basis.
Beijing claims almost the entire South China Sea and has ignored an international tribunal ruling that its assertions have no legal basis.
It deploys boats to patrol the busy waterway and has built artificial islands that it has militarized to reinforce its claims. -- With Agence France-Presse.
It deploys boats to patrol the busy waterway and has built artificial islands that it has militarized to reinforce its claims. -- With Agence France-Presse.
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PCG
China Coast Guard
Filipino fishermen
Bajo de Masinloc
China
Philippine Coast Guard
Scarborough Shoal
West Philippine Sea
Jay Tarriela
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