By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Tensions seemingly subsided in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) as the China Coast Guard (CCG) removed the floating barrier it laid to prevent Filipinos from fishing in the disputed area.
On Monday (19 Feb 2024), National Security Council (NSC) Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya confirmed that China removed the installation after the vessels of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) left the Bajo de Masinloc, one of the country’s oldest known fishing grounds.
“Ang nangyari diyan, nung umalis na yung ating BFAR vessels, tinanggal na rin nila,” Malaya disclosed during a “Bagong Pilipinas” briefing.
He added: “So, habang nandun ang ating BFAR vessel, nandun yung barrier. Pero immediately after ng pag-alis ng BFAR ay tinanggal na rin nila. Siguro natatakot na rin silang puputulin natin.”
On Saturday (17 February 2024), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesman Jay Tarriela said that floating barriers were spotted at the mouth of Bajo de Masinloc, or the southeast entrance to Bajo de Masinloc last February 15.
(el Amigo/MNM)
