Photo credit: PCG

Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela, alongside National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya, unveiled a collection of damning evidence showcasing the destructive actions of Chinese fishermen in Bajo De Masinloc from December 2016 to 2022.

Tarriela emphasized the importance of transparency, stating that making these images public allows the Filipino people to grasp the extent of illegal activities carried out by Chinese fishermen, spanning multiple administrations.

Despite the 2016 arbitral award acknowledging China's harmful fishing practices in the West Philippine Sea, including severe damage to coral reefs and violations of environmental obligations, Tarriela revealed that Chinese fishermen persist in their exploitation of endangered sea turtles, coral, and giant clams.

The presentation shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by Philippine authorities in curbing these violations and preserving the delicate marine ecosystems of the region.