PCG maintains presence in Bajo de Masinloc despite China’s arrest threatMANILA — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Wednesday said it maintained its presence in the vicinity waters off Bajo de Masinloc to monitor Filipino fishermen as China implemented its anti-trespassing policy.

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The PCG deployed BRP Malapascua on June 14 and BRP Sindangan on June 15, the effectivity date of China’s new regulation that authorizes its coast guard to detain foreigners accused of illegally entering “Chinese waters” without trial.  

“So far, wala naman tayong nae-encounter na problema pa at ongoing ‘yong ating patrol operations. May instruction si Admiral (Ronnie Gil) Gavan na i-sustain ito hangga’t kaya natin para masamahan natin ‘yong mga fishermen at mawala ‘yong kanilang agam-agam,” PCG spokesperson Armand Balilo told ABS-CBN News . 

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The Philippines does not recognize the policy as it insists its jurisdiction in the waters. It said it will not allow China to arrest Filipinos in its own territory.

Bajo de Masinloc, also called Panatag and Scarborough Shoal, is a high tide feature and a traditional fishing ground for Filipinos. It is located 124 nautical miles off Masinloc, Zambales, well within the Philippines’ 200-nautical miles exclusive economic zone, based on the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The PCG said it would ensure the safety of Filipino fishermen despite the arrest threat. There have been no reports of arrest so far.

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Fishermen were also given food and medical supplies during the patrol operations.

The PCG said it has monitored at least three China Coast Guard and one Chinese Navy vessels around Bajo de Masinloc.

“Nakakusap namin ‘yong mga fishermen. So far, wala namang movement na against sa kanila,” Balilo said.

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