Mayor worries for fisherfolk after China vessel sighting

UNAUTHORIZED ENTRY The Chinese-flagged research vessel Shen Kuo, photographed here by the Philippine Air Force in the waters off Viga, Catanduanes, on April 27, became a cause for concern in three different parts of the country two weeks ago.

TACLOBAN CITY—The mayor of a coastal municipality in Northern Samar is appealing to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for assistance in monitoring the presence of foreign vessels that may potentially exploit the town’s marine resources, particularly the local fishing grounds.

Mapanas Mayor Ronn Michael Tejano’s appeal stemmed from the recent sighting of a Chinese research vessel, identified as the Shen Kou, some 148 kilometers (80 nautical miles) from the town’s territorial waters.

“Having a monitoring system closer to Mapanas would greatly benefit us in promptly preparing and responding to similar incidents,” Tejano told the Inquirer in an interview on May 6.

“Considering that fishing is the primary livelihood of my constituents and neighboring Pacific towns, it’s important that their safety and protection is ensured,” he added.

Tejano’s appeal was backed by Northern Samar Gov. Edwin Ongchuan.

9-ton weekly catch

“We support the call of Mapanas Mayor Ronn Michael Tejano for help from the national government in monitoring and ensuring that our waters are safe from unauthorized vessels, following the incident (involving) the Chinese ship spotted off the coast of Mapanas,” Ongchuan said in a statement sent to the Inquirer on Thursday.

Located along the Northern Samar coastline facing the Pacific Ocean, Mapanas serves as a gateway for international trade and transportation.

Tejano said around 3,000 town residents depend on fishing for their livelihood, their weekly catch averaging 9 tons and consisting predominantly of tuna, mackerel and anchovies. The local fisherfolk operate within 18.5 km to 27.8 km (10 to 15 nautical miles) from the shore.

Lone vessel for region

Tejano said he first learned about the unauthorized presence of the Chinese research vessel in local waters from news reports.

Coast Guard Ensign Bryhl Amay, the deputy commander of the PCG in Northern Samar, later confirmed the radar detection of the Shen Kou.

He urged local fishermen to immediately report any unexpected sightings of foreign vessels, especially those moving slowly, so that the PCG can promptly assess their intentions.

Due to limited assets, the PCG may rely on the Philippine Navy for support in such situations. Amay said his regional unit has only one ship, the BRP Capones, stationed in Ormoc City, Leyte.

According to PCG reports, the Chinese vessel left Shenzhen Port in China on April 13 and was later spotted passing through Itbayat and Basco in Batanes on April 22 and lingering near Catanduanes on April 27.

It was last detected in the waters off Mapanas on the night of April 28.