The Philippine Coast Guard said fishing boats operating in the traditional fishing ground approached MV Mamalakaya and lined up for fuel when the vessel arrived. (Courtesy: PCG)
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) delivered fuel to 40 to 50 Filipino fishing boats near Bajo de Masinloc on Tuesday to help reduce the fishers’ operating costs amid high fuel prices.
The Oct. 27 mission was conducted under the government’s Kadiwa ng Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda (KBBM) Program using BFAR vessel MV Mamalakaya, with support from PCG vessel BRP Malapascua and aerial surveillance by PCG Islander 251.
PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Adm. Jay Tarriela said fishing boats operating in the traditional fishing ground approached MV Mamalakaya and lined up for fuel when the vessel arrived.
Fishermen interviewed during the operation welcomed the assistance, saying it would lower their expenses and allow them to stay longer at sea.
The KBBM program supports Filipino fishers by buying their fresh catch directly at sea and providing fuel and ice to reduce operating costs and sustain fishing activities in the West Philippine Sea.
PCG Commandant Adm. Rommel Supangan ordered the deployment of Coast Guard surface and air assets to secure the mission. He commended the crews of BRP Malapascua, PCG Islander 251 and MV Mamalakaya for completing the operation safely.
During the flight, the PCG aircraft monitored China Coast Guard and People’s Liberation Army Navy vessels near Bajo de Masinloc, as well as a Chinese research vessel operating near the shoal.
The PCG said it continues to monitor and document their presence. The mission ended without any reported incident.