A joint maritime security task force composed of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Navy (PN), and the PNP Maritime Group (PNP-MG) responded to reports of destructive fishing near Pag-asa Island, encountering deliberate obstruction from a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel during the lawful enforcement action.
The interagency patrol unit moved to secure the area after detecting foreign equipment and prohibited harvesting methods actively harming delicate marine ecosystems within local territorial waters.
Upon arrival, law enforcement personnel initiated standard procedures to stop the illegal activity and record violations.
“Our law enforcement personnel maintained maximum tolerance while fulfilling their mandate to uphold national sovereignty and protect the marine environment,” security officials said.
During the response, a China Coast Guard vessel executed aggressive blockages to impede the operations of the Philippine task force.
Despite the physical interference, the joint team completed its documentation and safely retired from the area without casualties.
National security officials also said Philippine maritime units will maintain regular deployments to protect sovereignty, safeguard local fishing livelihoods, and preserve critical marine biodiversity across the West Philippine Sea.