00:00 Let's face it, the Chinese have been called misinformation feeds, who spread conspiracy theories and outright lies on their presence and desperate need to stay in the country's exclusive economic zone.
00:12 Case in point, the latest Scarborough Shoal aerial monitoring in which the Chinese claim to have been driven off, away a BFAR vessel still anchored in the shoal and distributing aid to Filipino fisher folk.
00:23 Our Patrick De Jesus and news team was on board that BFAR aerial monitoring to tell us a whole lot more the Chinese have been lying about in this report.
00:32 Live, good evening Patrick.
00:34 Yes, charms, good evening.
00:38 Starting this month, the National Security Council instructed both the PCG and BFAR to conduct alternate patrols in Bajo de Macinloc, part of the West Philippine Sea, wherein currently a BFAR ship is there.
00:56 PTV News was one of the media outlets on board the Cessna Caravan Plane of BFAR that conducted aerial monitoring over Bajo de Macinloc since yesterday.
01:07 Until today, the BFAR vessel BRP Datu Tablot is still anchored near the shoal and distributing fuel and food assistance to Filipino fisher folk.
01:19 This is contrary to the statement released by the China Coast Guard that they drove away the said Philippine vessel.
01:26 From the aerial monitoring, the People's Liberation Army Navy warship of China was seen and it issued a radio challenge while we approached Scarborough Shoal.
01:37 But the BFAR strongly responded, citing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
01:44 [PLA NATIONAL RADIO CHATTER]
02:03 This is Cessna 208 Bravo RP-1077, a Bureau of Satellite and Aquatic Resources aircraft of the Philippine government conducting a local maritime patrol in the extensive economic zone of the Republic of the Philippines.
02:18 Based on the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, we are free to fly and operate at the international law allowed.
02:26 China has announced its signing of the UN Clause 10, the tabernacle of 1982. We are requested to abide the said Convention.
02:35 [PLA NATIONAL RADIO CHATTER]
02:42 There is also a floating barrier installed by China Coast Guard at the southeast entrance of the shoal, guarded by its rigid-hull inflatable boats.
02:51 Inside the lagoon, two China Coast Guard vessels have dropped anchor. Other CCG ships can be seen nearby, as well as Chinese maritime militia vessels.
03:01 Since yesterday, the BFAR Cessna caravan plane flew from Pampanga and conducted aerial patrols over Scarborough Shoal at least thrice.
03:11 In total, a PLA Navy ship, four China Coast Guard ships, and four militia vessels were sighted.
03:19 The government will be unfazed despite harassment and now false statements to undermine the country's efforts in asserting our rights inside our territory.
03:31 They have been doing this narrative, they are issuing this statement. Just like last time, when the Philippine Coast Guard vessel was also doing a maritime patrol in Bajo de Masinlo,
03:43 they also issued a statement that they drove away the Philippine Coast Guard vessel, but in reality, our Coast Guard vessel was still there.
03:51 So this time around, for this rotational deployment, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources is the one patrolling Bajo de Masinlo.
04:00 China Coast Guard has already said that they have removed the BFAR vessel.
04:06 I think they just want to support their own narrative that they are effective in driving away the Philippine government vessels.
04:15 But in reality, our BFAR and Philippine Coast Guard vessels are committed in complying with the guidance of the President for us to maintain our presence in Bajo de Masinlo.
04:27 Charms, based on the latest monitoring by the BCG and BFAR, about 20 Filipino fisher boats have received aid from the government,
04:37 wherein each mother boat consists of up to 10 small boats. Charms?
04:45 Patrick, I just have one question. It is clear that the Chinese Coast Guard and militia vessels have been evidently making their presence more felt.
04:57 And as the spokesperson of the Philippine Coast Guard said, they are trying to tell the world and tell us that they are very effective at driving away our presence in our exclusive economic zone.
05:10 What now are the latest moves or I would say strategies that the Coast Guard will now be employing to make sure that instances like this will not be happening again?
05:21 And as a follow-up question, has there been any coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs?
05:32 Yes, Charms, like what I have said earlier, starting this month, the National Security Council instructed both the BCG and BFAR to conduct alternate patrols in Bajo de Masinlo.
05:45 This is to ensure that there is a Filipino vessel in the area so that they can protect the welfare of the Filipino fisher boat.
05:55 Given the fact that there are presence of Chinese ships near the Scarborough Shoal.
06:02 And despite these harassments, despite these false narratives being given by China, the Philippine Coast Guard and BFAR or the government as a whole,
06:16 will be unfazed to assert our rights inside our territory. So, Charms, alternate patrols between the BFAR and BCG will be a thing for now so that there is assurance for Filipino fisher boats that protection will be given for them by the government.
06:38 Charms.
06:39 Many thanks, Patrick de Jesus, reporting live.
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