MANILA, (PIA) -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will continue its rotational deployment in Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, alongside the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). This move aims to ensure the security and fishing rights of Filipino fishermen in the disputed area of the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela emphasized the commitment during a forum on February 17  in Quezon City, stating, "The guidance of the President [Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.] is very clear: the rotation and deployment will be here to stay between the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources."

The decision follows reports of Filipino fishermen being harassed by Chinese Coast Guard vessels in the area. Last week, the PCG reported eight Chinese vessels shadowing and engaging local vessels during a nine-day patrol.

Tarriela stressed that the deployment is primarily for "food security" and to protect Filipino fishermen's rights.

"Cessation of deployment in the area is something that this national government is not considering," he asserted.

PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela (Facebook screengrab)

However, he clarified that the deployment is not intended to provoke China or escalate tensions. "Are we provoking China? Are we escalating it? I don't think so," he said. 

"Our objective here is to protect the Filipino fishermen, to make sure that the Filipino fishermen can fish in Bajo de Masinloc," he added. 

BFAR spokesperson Nazario Briguera said there are an estimated 385,300 fisherfolk in the WPS vicinity.

Aside from deploying more patrol ships, BFAR said the Philippines intends to enhance fisherfolk incomes in the disputed region through the "LAYAG West Philippine Sea" program, which funds livelihood projects related to aquaculture and fisheries.

Briguera said around 90 percent of the 385,300 fisherfolk living near the sea have already benefited from micro-loans, boats, engines, refrigeration equipment, and other support under the initiative.

Most beneficiaries, as reported by BFAR, hail from the MIMAROPA region, as well as Regions I, III, and the National Capital Region

Meanwhile, the Philippine government has earmarked P2.5 billion to acquire new patrol boats and fishing vessels to boost the Philippine presence in the area.

The funds will be used this year to purchase monitoring, control, and surveillance ships, along with food boats and other floating assets.

BFAR said the new assets will accompany Filipino fishing boats and provide a show of government support in the West Philippine Sea, which the Philippines claims is its exclusive economic zone per international law.

In recent years, Filipino fishermen have reported being blocked and driven away by Chinese maritime forces, even from traditional fishing areas near the Philippine coast. (JCO/PIA-NCR)