Philippines to Maintain Scarborough Shoal Deployment, Refutes Provocation Claims
MANILA – The Philippine government announced on Saturday its decision to continue the “rotational deployment” of vessels to the Scarborough Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc (BDM), to assist Filipino fishermen in the area. This move comes amidst concerns of escalating tensions in the disputed waters.
According to Philippines News Agency, the initial deployment report highlighted the operation’s success, despite the Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia’s maneuvers aimed at preventing Philippine government ships from interacting with local fisherfolk. BFAR spokesperson Nazario Briguera, during a Saturday News Forum, stated that the deployment of the BRP Tamblot was in full compliance with both domestic and international laws, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Briguera emphasized that the primary goal is to support Filipino fishermen peacefully working within the nation’s territorial waters and their traditional fishing grounds.
From February 15 to 16, the BFAR successfully delivered 14,000 liters of diesel, 60 liters of motor oil, food, medicine, and other necessities to 21 Filipino fishing boats. Commodore Jay Tarriela, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, clarified in the forum that these deployments are not meant as provocations or attempts to heighten tensions with China. Tarriela explained that the presence of PCG and BFAR vessels aims to safeguard Filipino fishermen, allowing them to fish more freely in Bajo de Masinloc without harassment from the Chinese Coast Guard.
Data from the BFAR indicates that over 385,500 Filipinos fish across the West Philippine Sea, with the Scarborough Shoal contributing to at least 6 percent to 7 percent of the country’s total fish production. The National Security Council has formally announced the regular rotational deployment as a “decisive action” to protect the rights and safety of Filipinos in Scarborough Shoal waters.
The PCG’s BRP Magbanua (MRRV-9701) conducted a nine-day patrol in Bajo de Masinloc from February 1 to 9, while the BFAR’s BRP Tamblot (MRROV-3005) arrived on February 15 but departed the following day due to adverse weather conditions. Additionally, BFAR deployed a Cessna 208B aircraft for aerial monitoring over the shoal, which faced “radio challenges” from a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy ship.