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Advocates Philippines
Chinese Harassment Of Philippine Fishermen Prompts Philippines Coast Guard Investigation
Screengrab form Wilfred Pepito / Jay Tarriela
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is investigating a video where the Chinese Coast Guard were harassing Filipino fishermen near the South entrance of BDM (Benham Rise).
According to a sworn statement by one of the fisherment, the incident occurred on January 12, 2024, when Filipino fishermen were collecting sea shells in the disputed waters. The China Coast Guard confronted the fishermen, instructing them to return the gathered shells to the sea and compelling them to leave the area.
The harrowing encounter involved five Chinese Coast Guard personnel on board a rubber boat. Four of them disembarked and pursued the Filipino fishermen, while one personnel physically restrained the fishing boat. The footage also showed Chinese Coast Guard personnel preventing their departure until the seashells were returned to the water.
The PCG is actively engaged in the investigation and is awaiting the arrival of the vessel, FB Legendary Jo, to gather testimonies from the affected fishermen. This incident has further intensified tensions in the region, raising concerns about maritime security and the freedom of navigation in disputed waters.
According to a sworn statement by one of the fisherment, the incident occurred on January 12, 2024, when Filipino fishermen were collecting sea shells in the disputed waters. The China Coast Guard confronted the fishermen, instructing them to return the gathered shells to the sea and compelling them to leave the area.
The harrowing encounter involved five Chinese Coast Guard personnel on board a rubber boat. Four of them disembarked and pursued the Filipino fishermen, while one personnel physically restrained the fishing boat. The footage also showed Chinese Coast Guard personnel preventing their departure until the seashells were returned to the water.
The PCG is actively engaged in the investigation and is awaiting the arrival of the vessel, FB Legendary Jo, to gather testimonies from the affected fishermen. This incident has further intensified tensions in the region, raising concerns about maritime security and the freedom of navigation in disputed waters.
Jan 22, 2024
