BBM orders more PCG vessels deployed in WPS

After condemning the latest Chinese water cannon attack in Philippine waters, President Marcos has ordered the deployment of more coast guard patrol vessels to protect Filipino fishermen.

- By HELEN FLORES

“We spoke with Commodore Tarriela himself, and the President's instructions and directives are to prioritize the safety of our countrymen, the fishermen whose lives are sometimes in danger,” Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said in Filipino at a press briefing yesterday, referring to Philippine Coast Guard spokesman for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela.

Castro said the President was specific about his order for “deployments in strategic locations to guard and protect our fishermen” against harassment by the China Coast Guard (CCG).

“And the President supports the purchase of coast guard vessels so that more people can guard our interests and the interests of our countrymen,” she added.

Castro said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has condemned the Dec. 12 incident which took place in the vicinity of Escoda (Sabina) Shoal off Palawan.

DFA demarche

The DFA said it lodged a demarche or diplomatic statement with the Chinese embassy yesterdsy.

According to Tarriela, nearly two dozen Philippine fishing boats “were targeted with water cannons and dangerous blocking maneuvers” by the Chinese. A small Chinese coast guard boat also cut the anchor lines of several Filipino boats, endangering their crews, the PCG said.