The Chinese Coast Guard reportedly drove off Filipino fishermen in Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, weeks after President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. reached an agreement with China.
On Facebook, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) shared a video of the maritime incident, which took place last January 9, days after Marcos Jr. visited China.
The video showed a CCG vessel 5204 and a speed boat allegedly driving the fishermen away.
"On 20 January 2023, Filipino fishing boat (FFB) KEN-KEN boat captain, Mr. Lito Al-os, reported to the PCG that CCGV 5204 allegedly drove them away while fishing in the vicinity waters off Ayungin Shoal on 09 January 2023," the PCG said.
The Ayungin Shoal is part of the country's exclusive economic zone, an area in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) reportedly occupied by China.
The PCG said the fisherfolk’s statements will be forwarded to the National Task Force-West Philippine Sea and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in case the country would file a diplomatic protest.
"It was wrong to drive them away. We will try to inquire further. Afterward, that is when we will give a conclusive statement on what happened," said PCG Spokesperson Commodore Armand Balilo.
During his state visit in Beijing, the President said the joint agreement between the Philippines and China in elevating the "direct communication line" is geared at avoiding incidents in the West Philippine Sea.
