The Philippine Coast Guard drove away a Chinese maritime militia vessel and 22 fishing boats from waters near Kota Island following reports of alleged illegal fishing, according to PCG spokesperson Rear Adm. Jay Tarriela.
Tarriela, the PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said the Chinese fishing boats were spotted about 0.55 nautical mile northwest of the island.
The operation lasted two hours, during which Coast Guard personnel drove away the vessels one by one, Tarriela said.
One boat reportedly refused to leave and had minor contact with another vessel during the operation. However, no injuries or equipment damage were reported.
The PCG emphasized that unauthorized fishing by foreign vessels in Philippine waters violates Philippine law.
The operation targeted the Chinese maritime militia vessel and the 22 fishing boats observed near the island. Authorities did not provide further details about the identities of the vessels or their crews.
Tarriela’s account outlined the location of the fishing boats and the outcome of the Coast Guard operation.
The PCG reiterated its position on unauthorized fishing by foreign vessels in Philippine waters as authorities addressed the reported activity near Kota Island.
