PH Coast Guard helps BFAR distribute fuel to fishermen

FILE PHOTO: Escoda (Sabina) Shoal. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has deployed Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) from BRP Teresa Magbanua at Escoda (Sabina) Shoal to aid the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in distributing fuel assistance to Filipino fishermen.

The PCG said the deployment is pursuant to an order from PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan “to provide security, safety, and facilitation assistance” during the conduct of BFAR’s initiative.

“The Commandant’s directive aims to ensure that Filipino fishermen can access fuel support at offshore fishing grounds without interference from any party, including the Chinese Coast Guard,” the agency said in a statement on Sunday.

The PCG said the deployed RHIBs “are effectively blocking attempts by the Chinese Coast Guard to approach the BFAR vessels, thereby safeguarding the fuel distribution process.

“Last July 8, West Philippine Sea monitor Ray Powell, program head of Stanford University’s Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation, said China Coast Guard’s (CCG) “monster ship” remained near BRP Teresa Magbanua.

Powell said the CCG vessel with bow number 5901 was only about 500 meters away from BRP Teresa Magbanua then.

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