PCG said China Coast Guard did not challenge plane during search and rescue operation

January 27, 2020

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said the China Coast Guard did not challege their aircraft during a search and rescue operation for seven missing fishermen in West Philippine Sea.

"So far from the moment we flew until we flew around to look for the fishermen, we haven't encounter chalenge from our friends in China Coast Guard,"  said Capt. Philip Soria, Department Commander of Coast Guard Aviation Force.

The PCG used a Britten Norman Islander during the search mission over  Scarborough Shoal last Friday.

The improved situation in the area was observed by the PCG after the China Coast Guard vessel visited the country for the first time from Jan. 13 to 17, 2020.

It can be recalled that the PCG and CCG conducted bilateral meeting, maritime exercise and other activities during their visit in Manila.

The seven fishermen onboard fishing banca "(FB) Narem 2" from Pangasinan were reported missing after they failed to return home on January 14.

They went on a fishing venture on January 6 and made the last radio communication with the boat owner that they encountered big waves on January 13.

"Their last reported location was at 60 nautical miles off Camaso Island in Dasol, Pangasinan. No further information about their whereabouts was received thereafter," the PCG said. Robina Asido/DMS