‘PCG, BFAR left Panatag Shoal on their own’

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) disputed China’s claim that the China Coast Guard (CCG) “drove away” its patrol vessel, as well as an aircraft of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), which were carrying out a humanitarian mission for Filipino fisherfolk.

The PCG reported that on Dec. 19, its 97-meter patrol vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua “distributed food packs to 40 Filipino fishermen in the vicinity waters of Bajo de Masinloc,” also called Panatag or Scarborough Shoal.

In a statement on Friday, CCG spokesman Liu Dejun said “Philippine C-208 aircraft illegally entered China’s airspace over Huangyan Dao without permission from the Chinese government,” referring to China’s name for Panatag Shoal.

“The China Coast Guard closely monitored the situation and issued a warning, driving away the aircraft in accordance with the law,” said Liu.

He added, “Huangyan Dao is an inherent part of China’s territory and the Philippine actions seriously violate China’s sovereignty, posing a significant risk of maritime and air accidents.”

In response, PCG Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesman for concerns on the West Philippine Sea (WPS), disputed China’s report that its forces chased away its Philippine counterparts.

“I want to emphasize that the PCG vessels and BFAR aircraft left the Bajo de Masinloc vicinity by our own decision after successfully providing supplies to the fishermen, rather than due to any expulsion by the Chinese Coast Guard,” he said.

He also maintained that the Philippine authorities “conducted legitimate patrols in our waters at Bajo De Masinloc to ensure the safety and security of our Filipino fishermen.”

They also “noted China’s encroachment in Bajo de Masinloc, with the deployment of China Coast Guard vessels, the Chinese Maritime Militia and even a PLA Navy vessel,” he added.