The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) have completed a joint maritime mission in the West Philippine Sea, delivering vital supplies to Filipino fishermen despite harassment from Chinese vessels.
PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela called the mission a success, noting that from March 23 to 25, 2025, fuel and food provisions were delivered to 26 Filipino fishing boats operating near Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc).
“I would like to believe this is a very successful mission. The mere fact na ang mga mangingisdang Pilipino ay naprotektahan… nakatanggap sila ng fuel subsidy,” Tarriela said. “And as we speak right now, may mga mangingisdang Pilipino pa rin na nasa BDM ngayon.”
Four BFAR multi-mission offshore vessels — BRP Datu Sumkad, BRP Datu Balensusa, BRP Datu Tamblot, and BRP Datu Pagbuaya — joined forces with two PCG ships, BRP Cabra and BRP Bagacay, to carry out the mission and ensure the safety of the fishermen.
The fleet reached the fishermen, about 30 nautical miles from Bajo de Masinloc, on Monday morning. Despite the intimidating presence of seven Chinese Coast Guard ships and two Chinese Navy vessels in the area, Filipino fishermen continued their operations.
One by one, fishermen approached the supply vessels to receive fuel and other aid, even as strong waves and Chinese interference posed challenges.
A fisherman from Zambales, 43-year-old Ronald Arpon, expressed gratitude:
“Malaking bagay ito sir kasi malaki ‘yong konsumo namin. Kabawas-bawas na yan sa sakit ng ulo.”
He said the presence of Philippine ships gave them a sense of security, especially when facing aggression from Chinese vessels.
“Masakit kasi diyan kami nabubuhay sa BDM… May takot talaga kasi mag-isa ka lang dito, saka maliliit (kami)… Hindi tayo mawalan ng pag-asa. Kasi sa atin ‘yan,” he added.
During the mission, the Chinese Coast Guard attempted to disrupt the operation by blaring sirens and issuing radio challenges, asserting the Filipino vessels were in their territory. Chinese RHIBs (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats) also tried to drive the fishermen away.
Another fisherman, Jessie Remegio, recounted being signaled to leave:
“Sinisenyasan kaming palayo kami… Masakit din para sa akin e dito ‘yong pinaghahanapbuhayan namin. Mga pamilya namin nagugutom dahil sa kanila. Sa atin to.”
Despite this, Tarriela emphasized that Bajo de Masinloc lies within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and that Filipino fishermen have every right to operate there.
“We would like to encourage the Filipino fishermen na mangisda rito… We are not afraid with this kind of harassment,” he said. “What we are doing in the WPS is in accordance with UNCLOS and the 2016 arbitral award. We have all the legal basis, para mangisda tayo rito.”
While the government considers the mission a success, many Filipino fishermen continue to hope for the day they can fish freely and safely in their own waters—without fear or interference.