China helicopter harasses Phl fishers; PCG sends ships

Russian sub in WPS worrisome - BBM

- By MARK ERNEST VILLEZA

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has deployed two vessels to Rozul Reef following reports of harassment of Filipino fishing vessels by a helicopter from China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy.

The PCG received video footage and photographs of the harassment on Nov. 28 from a fishing boat that had returned to Quezon, Palawan.

The images were of a PLA Navy helicopter menacingly hovering over a Filipino fishing boat operating near Rozul Reef, a feature within the West Philippine Sea near Palawan.

In response, PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan ordered the deployment of BRP Melchora Aquino and BRP Cabra to the area.

The mission aims to ensure the safety and security of Filipino fishermen exercising their right to fish freely in the West Philippine Sea, while also asserting the country's active presence in the contested waters.

Despite frequent harassment by the China Coast Guard, the PCG said that Filipino fishermen's confidence has grown, buoyed by President Marcos' firm stance on protecting their livelihood and interests. Marcos has vowed not to surrender "a single inch" of Philippine territory to foreign powers.

"The Philippine Coast Guard remains committed to safeguarding the rights of our fishermen and stands in full support of the President's commitment to uphold our sovereignty, sovereign rights and maritime jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea," the PCG said.

Russian sub in WPS worrisome - BBM Meanwhile, Marcos yesterday said the sighting of a Russian submarine in Philippine waters was "very worrisome" even as his security official assured him that the vessel was just exercising freedom of navigation and right of innocent passage.