PHILIPPINE Coast Guard (PCG) personnel rescued eight Filipino fishermen last Sunday off Zambales after their fishing boat experienced engine trouble, the PCG reported yesterday.
In a statement, the PCG said one of its vessels, BRP Cabra, received a distress call from the Filipino fishing boat FFB John John.
The boat experienced engine trouble some 40.35 nautical miles southeast of Scarborough Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc.
“Swiftly responding to the situation, the crew of BRP Cabra navigated through challenging weather conditions to reach the distressed vessel,” said Commodore Jay Tarriela, the PCG’s spokesman for the West Philippine Sea.
The PCG vessel reached the area at around 1 p.m. and towed the Filipino vessel back to Subic, Zambales.
It said the eight crew members were “safe and in good physical condition.”
PCG commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan commended the crew members of BRP Cabra for their swift response.
“The bad weather and tough sea conditions snapped the towing line twice, but our brave coast guardians on board BRP Cabra carried on their mission of ensuring the safety of lives and properties at sea,” said Gavan.
“May their dedication to our noble cause further inspire fellow public servants to put service above personal interests for the benefit of the Filipino nation,” Gavan also said.
Earlier on Sunday, Tarriela said BRP Cabra issued radio challenges to a Chinese Coast Guard vessel, with bow number 3105, located some 79.9 nautical miles from Palauig Point, also in Zambales.
“Despite facing challenging sea conditions with wave heights ranging from 8 to 10 feet, the 44-meter vessel continuously engaged the China Coast Guard 3105, emphasizing its lack of legal authority to patrol within Philippine waters but did not receive any response,” said Tarriela.
Tarriela said the challenge highlights the PCG’s “commitment to asserting Philippine sovereign rights within its exclusive economic zone.”
