THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Friday, February 17, 2023, it will strengthen its patrolling in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in anticipation of an increase in Filipinos fishing in the area as the summer season draws near.
PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu said he has ordered the deployment of one of the PCG Fleet's largest maritime assets, the BRP Teresa Magbanua to the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG), on January 28 following the order of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to strengthen and increase the PCG’s presence and operations in the WPS.
He said the vessel’s crew advised Filipino fishermen in the area to tap the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) shore units for any needed assistance.
The PCG said BRP Teresa Magbanua encountered a Vietnamese-flagged fishing vessel in the waters off Recto Bank (Reed Bank) engaged in long-line fishing operations.
It said Filipino troops issued radio challenges and directed the foreign fishing vessel to leave the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) immediately, deploying Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) to conduct boarding and inspection.
The foreign fishing vessel, upon seeing the deployment of RHIBs, secured its lines and immediately departed Recto Bank escorted by the Philippine vessel.
“As the PCG steadily strengthens and increases its Maritime Patrol, Search and Rescue, and Law Enforcement operations in the WPS, it remains firmly committed to safeguarding Philippine interests and rights within the bounds of international law and conventions,” the PCG said.
The PCG earlier reported that the Chinese Coast Guard pointed a laser light at the country’s BRP Malapascua on February 6 while it was assisting a resupply mission to troops in Ayungin Shoal, one of the disputed territories in the WPS. (SunStar Philippines)