PCG, BFAR distribute aid to fishers in WPS amid harassment

Despite what they described as aggressive actions from Chinese maritime forces, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) were able to provide aid distribution missions for fishermen in the West Philippine Sea on Wednesday, Oct. 8.

- By AARON RECUENCO

PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said the operation started at 5 a.m. with Coast Guard personnel providing the assistance package to fishing boats near Bajo de Masinloc and Escoda Shoal.

The assistance includes fuel subsidies, crushed ice for the fisherman's catch, and grocery packs in order to extend and expand the fishing activities of Filipino fishermen in the area.

"This initiative underscores the government's commitment to safeguarding the livelihoods of Filipino fishermen and asserting maritime jurisdiction," said Gavan.

Those deployed from the PCG were the 97-meter BRP Teresa Magbanua and the 44-meter BRP Cape San Agustin to Bajo de Masinloc; and the 97-meter BRP Melchora Aquino along with another 44-meter PCG vessel, BRP Cabra, to Escoda Shoal.