Philippine vessels resupply fishing boats near Scarborough Shoal despite Chinese presence

On Wednesday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) successfully conducted a joint maritime patrol near Scarborough Shoal, delivering fuel and food provisions to 26 Filipino fishing boats from March 23 to 25.

Despite earlier reports of Chinese coast guard ships intercepting the mission, Commodore Jay Tarriela clarified that Philippine vessels were stationary due to the distribution activities and not because of any interception by Chinese ships.

A fleet of four BFAR multi-mission offshore vessels and two PCG vessels sailed to the West Philippine Sea over the weekend for the mission, ensuring the safety and security of Filipino fishermen in the area.

Despite the presence of seven Chinese Coast Guard ships and two People's Liberation Army Navy vessels, Filipino fishermen continued their operations, refueling and receiving supplies from BFAR vessels without backing down.

Fishermen expressed relief at the resupply mission but also voiced concerns about harassment from Chinese ships, highlighting the ongoing challenges in conducting fishing activities near Bajo de Masinloc.

Commodore Tarriela emphasized that the presence of Chinese vessels inside the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone is illegal and encouraged Filipino fishermen to continue their operations based on international law and the 2016 arbitral award.