Akbayan condemns China Coast Guard obstruction of PCG retrieval mission of dead fisherman

Akbayan Partylist First Nominee Atty. Chel Diokno today scored the recent interference of a Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel on a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) rescue mission last Monday. CCG vessel 3304 shadowed the PCG’s BRP Cabra while on a mission to recover the remains of a deceased Filipino fisherman off the coast of Silanguin Island, Zambales. The PCG vessel was shadowed by the CCG vessel during the whole ordeal while navigating through rough waters. Diokno condemned their actions as obstructing the PCG’s mission and endangering the lives of BRP Cabra’s crew members.

“They are not only trespassing but also obstructing the retrieval mission of the PCG—putting our coast guard in harm’s way with their actions. BRP Cabra’s crew had to navigate through heavy waves while conducting their mission,” Diokno said.

Diokno underscored that the government must take necessary steps to address future attempts by the CCG to hamper PCG rescue or retrieval missions, “Nakakagalit pero ‘di nakakapagtaka. China has shown they are willing to do anything to pursue their aggressive expansionism in the West Philippine Sea. We should be concerned by the dangerous precedent set by these actions and take the necessary precautions to ensure that our PCG will not be hampered by such reckless behavior.”

Akbayan also urged the national government to extend any assistance necessary to the family of the deceased fisherman and to also commend the crew of BRP Cabra for their display of bravery.

“Nakikiramay kami sa pamilya ng nasawing mangingisda. We call on the government to extend the necessary assistance to the family of the fisherman,” he said.

“At the same time, PCG must give the appropriate commendation to the crew of BRP Cabra. Dapat tularan ang dedikasyon na pinamalas nila sa pag-recover sa labi ng mangingisda at sa pagtuloy sa kanilang mission sa harap ng pangha-harass ng CCG. Ganyang uri ng katapangan ang kinakailangan natin ngayon,” Diokno emphasized.