PCG INVESTIGATES RECENT INCIDENT AT AYUNGIN SHOAL

Dateline Kamuning: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is currently investigating the recent incident at Ayungin Shoal involving a Filipino fishing boat and a China Coast Guard vessel (CCGV) that occurred on 09 January 2023. On 20 January 2023, Filipino fishing boat (FFB) KEN-KEN boat captain, Mr. Lito Al-os, reported to the PCG that CCGV 5204 allegedly drove them away while fishing in the vicinity waters off Ayungin Shoal on 09 January 2023. Accordingly, CCGV 5204 maneuvered towards FFB KEN-KEN at a distance of approximately 800 yards and deployed a rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB). The CCG personnel onboard the RHIB gestured for the Filipino fishermen to leave the area. Consequently, FFB KEN-KEN altered her course and departed Ayungin Shoal. However, CCGV 5204 continued to shadow FFB KEN-KEN while underway to Boxall Reef. Upon receipt of the said report, the PCG Task Force Pag-asa immediately deployed additional Coast Guard vessels to strengthe...