Philippines accuses China of hindering recovery of dead fisherman’s body in disputed waters

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has accused the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) of shadowing and obstructing its efforts to retrieve the body of a deceased Filipino fisherman, escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

On January 27, the BRP Cabra responded to a distress call from a Filipino fishing boat 70 nautical miles southwest of Silanguin Island, Zambales, after its crew, struggling against rough seas, called for help.

“Upon arrival, the fishermen faced heavy waves and utilized their indigenous boats to transport the PCG medical team for assistance. Unfortunately, the team discovered that the fisherman had no pulse and was already deceased,” said Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea.

Video footage from the PCG captured the harrowing conditions as the BRP Cabra battled large waves while personnel tried to board a small wooden fishing boat. To transport the body back to Subic, Zambales, the BRP Cabra used its crane, navigating through turbulent waters.

According to Tarriela, the CCG vessel 3304, despite being aware of a distress call from fishing vessel FB El Kapitan 2, shadowed BRP Cabra and attempted to hamper efforts to recover the body of the fisherman. 

“It is crucial to note that the Chinese Coast Guard vessel CCG-3304, despite being aware of the distress call from the Filipino fishermen, engaged in shadowing that hindered the Philippine Coast Guard vessel’s efforts to recover the body,” said Tarriela. 

Returning fisherman’s body to family

On January 28, the PCG confirmed that 58-year-old fisherman Elpidio Lamban had been transported back to his hometown of Barangay Calapacuan, in Subic town in Zambales province. 

According to the PCG, Lamban struggled to breathe and vomited blood during a fishing expedition near Silanguin Island. The skipper of the FB El Kapitan, Michael Vasquez, immediately reported the emergency to BRP Cabra, which was conducting a routine vessel check on Filipino fishing boats in the area.

The PCG team rushed to the scene but found Lamban unresponsive. They assisted in transferring his body, while the Coast Guard Station Zambales coordinated with his family for proper reception, ambulance transport, and funeral services.

The Chinese Coast Guard vessel.

The PCG battled large waves and treacherous conditions to reach the distressed fishermen.

The PCG recovered the body of the dead fisherman.

Deploying largest vessel to monitor Chinese presence

Following the BRP Cabra’s departure to transport the fisherman’s body, the PCG deployed its largest vessel, the 97-meter BRP Teresa Magbanua, to monitor Chinese ships in the West Philippine Sea.

“This morning, the Philippine Coast Guard’s 44-meter vessel, BRP Cabra, arrived at Subic Port to unload the cadaver of a fisherman recovered yesterday,” Tarriela said on January 28.

“The vessel’s departure from an area where the Chinese Coast Guard has been illegally present prompted Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan to deploy the PCG’s 97-meter vessel, BRP Teresa Magbanua,” he added.

The PCG reported at least four Chinese vessels in the area, with BRP Teresa Magbanua actively challenging their presence.

“The PCG is committed to ensuring the safety of our fishermen, safeguarding our maritime jurisdiction, enforcing international law, and preventing escalation of tensions,” Tarriela said.

China continues to claim nearly the entire South China Sea, including areas within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. Despite a 2016 ruling by the Arbitral Tribunal that invalidated Beijing’s sweeping claims, China has refused to recognize the decision.

Fewer Chinese ships spotted

Meanwhile, the Philippine Navy reported also on January 28, a decrease in the number of Chinese vessels present during a recent rotation and resupply (RoRe) mission to Ayungin Shoal.

Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, the Philippine Navy’s spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said that during the January 24 operation, they monitored two People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ships, five CCG vessels, two Chinese maritime militia craft, and two rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs). 

“The number (of vessels) during the RoRe would vary. Depending on the previous RoRe, there was a fewer number this time,” he said in a press briefing.

On January 24, the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Filipino forces successfully delivered supplies to troops aboard the BRP Sierra Madre without incident.

Despite ongoing maritime disputes, Manila and Beijing continue diplomatic talks to manage tensions. In their latest meeting, both countries agreed to find common ground and explore avenues for cooperation.

However, with Chinese ships maintaining a steady presence in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine Coast Guard remains on high alert, determined to assert the country’s maritime rights and protect Filipino fishermen from foreign interference.

All photos credit: Philippine Coast Guard

Top photo: PCG’s recovery of a Filipino fisherman’s body in Zambales.

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