President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has directed the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to prioritize the safety of Filipino fishermen following China’s recent water cannon attack at Sabina Shoal, also known as Escoda Shoal, within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President also instructed the deployment of forces to “strategic locations” to ensure protection.
“Nakausap po mismo natin si Commodore (Jay) Tarriela, at ang ipinagbilin at direktiba po ng Pangulo ay unahin ang kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayan—ang mga mangingisda na minsan ay nanganganib ang kanilang buhay,” Castro said.
“At ipinag-utos din po na magkaroon ng deployment sa mga strategic location para mabantayan at mabigyan ng proteksyon ang ating mga mangingisda,” she added.
The PCG reported that three fishermen were injured and two fishing vessels sustained significant damage. Around 20 Philippine boats were targeted with water cannons and aggressive blocking maneuvers by China Coast Guard vessels and maritime militia ships.
Small Chinese RHIBs also cut anchor lines, endangering crews amid strong currents and high waves.
Castro said the President supports purchasing additional PCG vessels to strengthen maritime protection.
“Sinusuportahan po ng Pangulo ang pagbili ng mga coast guard vessels para mas marami ang makapagbantay sa ating interes at sa interes ng ating mga kababayan. Ito ang panahon upang ang bawat Pilipino ay magkaisa at iangat ang interes ng bansa at ng kapuwa Pilipino,” she said.