The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) confirmed Saturday that aggressive actions by the China Coast Guard (CCG) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), particularly around Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc), have been disrupting local fishermen and reducing their fish catch.
BFAR spokesperson Nazario Briguera said the persistent presence and interference of Chinese vessels have significantly restricted Filipino fishermen’s access to productive fishing grounds. “With China’s aggressive actions, their access is limited, which translates to reduced production,” he said. “They used to freely enter the lagoon, but now their ability to fish is severely hampered.”
Despite these challenges, the BFAR remains committed to its operations in the WPS. Briguera said Chinese harassment, including a recent water cannon attack and a sideswiping incident involving Philippine research vessels near Sandy Cay, would not deter the agency from fulfilling its mandate. “This is not the first time a BFAR vessel was targeted, and it will not stop us from doing our job,” he said.
The BFAR’s BRP Datu Sanday and BRP Datu Pagbuaya were recently deployed for a marine research mission to collect sand samples near Pag-asa Cays. Briguera emphasized that these operations took place well within Philippine territorial waters, and were conducted in cooperation with the Philippine Coast Guard. He also refuted Chinese claims that the Philippine vessels were at fault, saying available evidence will show who the real aggressor was.
Meanwhile, the National Security Council (NSC) urged lawmakers to pass additional legislation to bolster the country’s maritime entitlements and sovereign rights within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya warned that policy continuity in a democracy can be fragile. “Any future president who tries to reverse these gains could be held accountable. The best safeguard is legislation,” he said.
