PCG confirms harassment of Filipino fishing vessels
THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said it has evidence confirming the harassment late last month of Filipino fishermen by a People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy helicopter near Rozul Reef in the West Philippine Sea. The PCG said it has video footage and photographs shot by a fishing boat that returned to Quezon, Palawan, after the Nov. 28 incident. PCG spokesman for West Philippine Sea concerns Commo. Jay Tarriela said at a press briefing Monday the Chinese military helicopter, bearing tail number 65, flew as low as 15 feet above the Filipino vessels, a maneuver deemed as an act of intimidation. ANOTHER WPS INCIDENT Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesman of the Philippine Coast Guard on the West Philippine Sea, on Monday, December 2, 2024, briefs reporters of the government's response to another Chinese harassment at sea. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN "This was a clear effort to harass and drive away our fishermen," Tarriela said. The PCG responded by deploying two patrol vessels — the BRP Melchora Aquino and the BRP Cape Engaño — to Rozul Reef. Rozul Reef, also known as Iroquois Reef, is about 128 nautical miles from Palawan and is rich in marine life, making it a critical fishing ground for Filipinos. Despite its being within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ), Chinese vessels, including the China Coast Guard (CCG), continue to monitor and impede Filipino fishing activities. During its patrol, the PCG found about 20 Filipino fishing boats near Rozul Reef. It said it distributed Christmas food packs to the fishermen as a gesture of support. Tarriela noted that the presence of PCG ships has significantly boosted the fishers' confidence. "The Chinese are more hesitant to harass when they see the PCG or other Philippine maritime forces," he said. The PCG documented dangerous maneuvers by the CCG, including one where a Chinese vessel dangerously cut off the BRP Cape Engaño's path at night, risking a collision. "These reckless maneuvers could have resulted in disaster," Tarriela said. In another incident on Nov. 30, two Filipino fishing boats sank in stormy seas. All crew members were rescued by fellow fishers, but the CCG reportedly did nothing to help despite being in the vicinity. *media[480789,480790,480791,480792,480793]**
Tomas Kauer - Moderator 
THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said it has evidence confirming the harassment late last month of Filipino fishermen by a People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy helicopter near Rozul Reef in the West Philippine Sea.
The PCG said it has video footage and photographs shot by a fishing boat that returned to Quezon, Palawan, after the Nov. 28 incident.
PCG spokesman for West Philippine Sea concerns Commo. Jay Tarriela said at a press briefing Monday the Chinese military helicopter, bearing tail number 65, flew as low as 15 feet above the Filipino vessels, a maneuver deemed as an act of intimidation. ANOTHER WPS INCIDENT Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesman of the Philippine Coast Guard on the West Philippine Sea, on Monday, December 2, 2024, briefs reporters of the government's response to another Chinese harassment at sea. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN
"This was a clear effort to harass and drive away our fishermen," Tarriela said.
The PCG responded by deploying two patrol vessels — the BRP Melchora Aquino and the BRP Cape Engaño — to Rozul Reef.
Rozul Reef, also known as Iroquois Reef, is about 128 nautical miles from Palawan and is rich in marine life, making it a critical fishing ground for Filipinos.
Despite its being within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ), Chinese vessels, including the China Coast Guard (CCG), continue to monitor and impede Filipino fishing activities.
During its patrol, the PCG found about 20 Filipino fishing boats near Rozul Reef. It said it distributed Christmas food packs to the fishermen as a gesture of support.
Tarriela noted that the presence of PCG ships has significantly boosted the fishers' confidence.
"The Chinese are more hesitant to harass when they see the PCG or other Philippine maritime forces," he said.
The PCG documented dangerous maneuvers by the CCG, including one where a Chinese vessel dangerously cut off the BRP Cape Engaño's path at night, risking a collision.
"These reckless maneuvers could have resulted in disaster," Tarriela said.
In another incident on Nov. 30, two Filipino fishing boats sank in stormy seas. All crew members were rescued by fellow fishers, but the CCG reportedly did nothing to help despite being in the vicinity.
*media[480789,480790,480791,480792,480793]**
