The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) deployed two ships to Rozul Reef in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Sunday after several Filipino fisherfolk complained of harassment by a Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy helicopter. In a press conference at the WPS Transparency Office in Manila on Monday, PCG spokesperson for the WPS, Commodore Jay Tarriela, said PCG vessels 9702 BRP Melchora Aquino and 4411 BRP Cape Engaño were deployed based on the order of PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan. Tarriela said the PCG ships would help ensure the safety and security of Filipino fishers while they exercise “their right to fish freely in Rozul Reef.”

PCG ships patrol WPS after Chinese helicopter harasses PH fishers. (2024, December 4). SunStar Pampanga, p. 3.