NEWS
BFAR stages unhampered resupply mission to WPS
2/10/24, 5:55 AM
By MJ Blancaflor
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has conducted a resupply mission for Filipino fishermen near Iroquois (Rozul) Reef in the West Philippine Sea, without any interference from Chinese vessels.
On Monday, February 5, BFAR personnel aboard BRP Datu Sanday delivered 13 tons of diesel, medicines, drinking water, ready-to-eat snacks, and other provisions to 16 Filipino fishing boats moored around the reef.
The Bureau's aircraft that provided air cover for the BRP Datu Sanday did not receive any radio challenge during the mission, the agency said.
During the mission, the BFAR team noted there were eight mother boats at the Iroquois Reef, with a total fish catch of 12 tons.
On previous occasions, an average of 30 Chinese vessels, including maritime militia vessels, were monitored around the area.
The government has been increasing its presence in the West Philippine Sea amid Chinese incursions into the area.
In January, three Filipino fishermen collecting sea shells near Bajo de Masinloc were reportedly harassed and driven away by Chinese Coast Guard personnel.