The Philippine authorities have strongly denounced the China Coast Guard for allegedly setting up a “floating barrier” in a disputed area of the South China Sea.
During a routine maritime patrol, the Coast Guard spokesperson, Jay Tarriela, stated that a floating barrier, approximately 300 meters in length, was discovered on Friday.
Tarriela explained that this floating barrier is interfering with the entry and fishing activities of Filipino Fishing Boats (FFBs) in the area, affecting their livelihoods.
“The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) strongly condemn the China Coast Guard’s (CCG’s) installation of a floating barrier in the southeastern portion of Bajo de Masinloc (BDM), which prevents Filipino Fishing Boats (FFBs) from accessing the shoal and deprives them of their fishing and livelihood activities,” Tarriela stated in a statement on X, previously referred to as Twitter, accompanied by photos of the incident.
Tarriela reported that the floating barrier was observed being set up by three China Coast Guard boats and a service boat from the Chinese Maritime Militia, as the vessel from the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources arrived. On Friday, over 50 FFBs were sighted in the area, according to Tarriela.
Four CCG vessels attempted to drive away the BFAR vessel and FFBs by initiating radio challenges. The crews of the CCG vessels claimed that the Philippine authorities were violating international and domestic laws, but Philippine authorities maintain that they were conducting a routine patrol within the territorial sea of BDM.
Tarriela mentioned that the CCG crews backed off when they noticed the presence of media personnel on board the BFAR vessel.
“The PCG will continue to collaborate closely with all relevant government agencies to address these challenges, uphold our maritime rights, and safeguard our maritime territories,” Tarriela concluded.
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