PAG-ASA ISLAND, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered increased surveillance and intelligence-gathering operations in the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) following an encounter with a Chinese fishing vessel suspected of engaging in dynamite fishing west of Pag-asa Island.
PNP chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed the PNP Maritime Group (MG) to strengthen monitoring and enforcement efforts against illegal and destructive fishing activities in Philippine waters.
The directive came after personnel from the Joint Task Unit Pag-asa, composed of the PNP-MG, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Philippine Navy (PN), spotted a Chinese fishing vessel and several smaller boats allegedly involved in blast fishing near Sandy Cays 2 and 3 on Sunday, October 4.
“The Philippine National Police strongly condemns any form of illegal fishing activity within Philippine waters, particularly destructive practices such as dynamite fishing that threaten marine ecosystems and the livelihood of our fisherfolk,” Nartatez said.
The Philippine team launched an operation after the suspected fishing activity was detected. Authorities said the Chinese vessel allegedly refused to comply with orders to stop and instead moved toward Zamora, also known as Subi, Reef.
The pursuit was complicated by the presence of Chinese maritime forces in the area. The PCG reported that China Coast Guard vessels 5102 and 21581 approached and radio-challenged the Philippine vessels during the operation.
According to the Coast Guard, vessel 21581 shadowed and maneuvered to block PCG vessel HSRB-019, coming to within approximately 10 yards of the Philippine craft.
A People’s Liberation Army Navy helicopter was also reportedly seen flying over the area and circling the Philippine team four times.
The Philippine personnel eventually called off the operation because of safety concerns and returned to Pag-asa Island.
“We support all lawful efforts to enforce environmental and fisheries laws and will coordinate closely with concerned agencies to address such violations,” Nartatez said.
The PNP chief commended the Maritime Group personnel who took part in the operation and recognized their efforts to protect Philippine maritime waters and marine resources.
Nartatez said the police force would continue supporting government efforts to prevent destructive fishing and other unlawful activities within Philippine waters.
“Our personnel must remain calm, disciplined, and professional, but they must not be deterred from performing their lawful duties. We will uphold the rule of law while exercising maximum restraint to prevent unnecessary escalation,” Nartatez said.
The latest incident comes amid continued encounters between Philippine and Chinese vessels in waters surrounding the West Philippine Sea, where Filipino authorities have repeatedly asserted the country’s maritime rights and jurisdiction.
The PNP said its intensified monitoring would focus on detecting and responding to illegal fishing and other activities while ensuring that its personnel observe restraint and avoid unnecessary escalation during maritime operations.