REPORTS citing the increased presence of Filipino fishermen in Bajo de Masinloc in Zambales was confirmed by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
The PCG monitored the presence of Filipino fishermen after seeing around 45 Filipino fishing boats conducting fishing activities off Bajo de Masinloc during maritime operations February 28 to March 5, 2022.
Personnel of BRP Capones (MRRV-4404) provided Filipino fishermen onboard with relief supplies and COVID-19 kits to uphold their health and welfare at sea during the ongoing “Bayanihan sa Karagatan.”
PCG Commandant, CG Admiral Artemio Abu considered the recent data as a significant milestone in promoting maritime security and maritime safety at the vicinity located 124 nautical miles west of Zambales.
“Seeing more Filipino fishing boats in Bajo de Masinloc is a proof of our intensified efforts to safeguard Filipino fishermen who consider fishing as their primary source of livelihood. Through our regular interaction, we assure them that the PCG will remain active and present in the area. Lagi naming binabanggit sa kanila na narito kami para pangalagaan ang kanilang kapakanan at itaguyod ang kanilang kaligtasan,” CG Admiral Abu furthered.
In 2021, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) reported several incidents when the PCG and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) successfully implemented rules-based and peaceful approaches against suspicious foreign vessels and “shadowing” China Coast Guard (CCG) ships that were seen within the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc.
NTF-WPS Chairman and National Security Adviser Secretary Hermogenes Esperon emphasized the need to encourage Filipino fishermen to catch fish in Bajo de Masinloc which is considered a traditional fishing ground.
Anchored on Secretary Esperon’s pronouncement, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Art Tugade has ordered the PCG to continue its intensified deployment of assets and personnel to protect Filipino fishermen.
“The Area Task Force – North of the NTF-WPS provides operational direction for Bajo de Masinloc and Philippine Rise. Our units will continue to augment and support the Area Task Force – North of the NTF-WPS to safeguard Filipino fishermen in the said vicinity waters,” Abu explained.