The local fishermen's group in Masinloc, Zambales, stated that even the large fishing vessels of Filipino fishermen are now hesitant to set sail due to the two-week presence of the China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5901 in the area.
In an exclusive interview with DZRH Stories on Sunday, Leonardo Cuaresma, President of the New Masinloc Fishermen’s Association, revealed that commercial fishing vessels are worried about being harassed by the CCG.
Cuaresma further mentioned that while they haven't been physically harassed, fishermen continue to steer clear of the large Chinese vessels they spot in the area.
“Kahit malalaki po ‘yung kanilang fishing vessel, may pangamba rin po kasi pagka-naihulog po nila ‘yung lambat nila pag nagh-harvest ay maaaring ito ay malagay sa panganib," Cuaresma explained.
"At kung ito ay i-water cannon nila [CCG] hindi nila [local fishermen] maia-ahon ang kanilang lambat pag naihulog," he added.
The latest update from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) noted that although the "monster ship" made a slight retreat yesterday, it was immediately replaced by large ships from the China Coast Guard (CCG).
In a related development, the Philippine Navy conducted military exercises near Bajo de Masinloc, while the US Navy's Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group (CSG) joined a distinct multilateral cooperative activity in the West Philippine Sea.
