NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
PCG, BFAR Brave Chinese Harassment To Aid Filipino Fishermen
Screengrab from PCG
Amid tense standoffs and dangerous maneuvers from Chinese vessels, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) successfully delivered much-needed supplies to nearly 100 Filipino fishing boats operating in Bajo de Masinloc and Escoda Shoal on Monday.
The aid mission, part of the “Kadiwa para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda” (KBBM) program, provided around 120,000 liters of fuel oil, 600 grocery packs, and crushed ice to local fishermen — even as Chinese coast guard ships and militia vessels tried to block their way.
In Bajo de Masinloc, PCG vessels BRP Teresa Magbanua and BRP Cape San Agustin, together with the M/V Mamalakaya and six BFAR patrol boats, managed to reach more than 50 fishing boats despite being shadowed and blocked by 11 China Coast Guard ships, 11 Chinese Maritime Militia vessels, a PLA Navy helicopter, and three PLA Navy vessels.
At one point, a Chinese vessel radioed a warning claiming the Filipino boats were harming an “environmental reserve.” But the PCG stood its ground, asserting that Bajo de Masinloc is part of the Philippine archipelago, and that only the Philippine government has the authority to designate protected areas in these waters.
Meanwhile, at Escoda Shoal, the situation was equally tense. Ten CCG ships, 10 militia vessels, and several Chinese Navy assets attempted to block the mission. The PCG even documented instances where water cannons were activated to intimidate Filipino fishermen.
Still, the team led by BRP Melchora Aquino and BRP Cabra, with five BFAR patrol boats, pressed on — completing the aid distribution by 7 p.m.
“The PCG and BFAR remain steadfast in our duty to protect the safety and security of every Filipino fisherman,” said PCG Commandant Admiral Ronniel Gil Gavan. “We will never allow the China Coast Guard to interfere with our people’s right to fish and live freely in our own waters.”
The government’s KBBM initiative continues to highlight Manila’s commitment to supporting local fisherfolk, ensuring food security, and asserting sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea — even amid persistent Chinese harassment.
The aid mission, part of the “Kadiwa para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda” (KBBM) program, provided around 120,000 liters of fuel oil, 600 grocery packs, and crushed ice to local fishermen — even as Chinese coast guard ships and militia vessels tried to block their way.
In Bajo de Masinloc, PCG vessels BRP Teresa Magbanua and BRP Cape San Agustin, together with the M/V Mamalakaya and six BFAR patrol boats, managed to reach more than 50 fishing boats despite being shadowed and blocked by 11 China Coast Guard ships, 11 Chinese Maritime Militia vessels, a PLA Navy helicopter, and three PLA Navy vessels.
At one point, a Chinese vessel radioed a warning claiming the Filipino boats were harming an “environmental reserve.” But the PCG stood its ground, asserting that Bajo de Masinloc is part of the Philippine archipelago, and that only the Philippine government has the authority to designate protected areas in these waters.
Meanwhile, at Escoda Shoal, the situation was equally tense. Ten CCG ships, 10 militia vessels, and several Chinese Navy assets attempted to block the mission. The PCG even documented instances where water cannons were activated to intimidate Filipino fishermen.
Still, the team led by BRP Melchora Aquino and BRP Cabra, with five BFAR patrol boats, pressed on — completing the aid distribution by 7 p.m.
“The PCG and BFAR remain steadfast in our duty to protect the safety and security of every Filipino fisherman,” said PCG Commandant Admiral Ronniel Gil Gavan. “We will never allow the China Coast Guard to interfere with our people’s right to fish and live freely in our own waters.”
The government’s KBBM initiative continues to highlight Manila’s commitment to supporting local fisherfolk, ensuring food security, and asserting sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea — even amid persistent Chinese harassment.
Oct 14, 2025
We are dedicated storytellers with a passion for bringing your brand to life. Our services range from news and media features to brand promotion and collaborations.
Interested? Visit our
Contact Us page for more information. To learn more about what we offer, check out our latest article on services and opportunities.
