BFAR: Resupply mission to Iroquois Reef successful

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) reported on Friday that its resupply mission to the Iroquois (Rozul) Reef on Monday was successful.

According to the BFAR, it delivered various supplies such as food and fuel, among others, to the 16 Filipino fishing boats in the reef.

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“On 5 February 2024, around 2:50 PM, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, utilizing its vessel, BRP Datu Sanday, conducted a resupply mission to Filipino fishermen in the area of the Iroquois (Rozul) Reef in the West Philippine Sea,” the BFAR said.

“The resupply effort included distributing a total of 13 tons of diesel, along with gasoline for fishermen’s pump boats, medicines, drinking water, and ready-to-eat snacks,” it added.

In contrast to previous resupply missions, there were no observed Chinese vessels, while BFAR aircraft that were part of the mission did not receive any radio challenges.

“No Chinese vessels were observed around said area during the mission. On previous occasions, an average of around 30 Chinese vessels, including maritime militia vessels, were monitored around Iroquois Reef,” it continued.

“Moreover, the BFAR aircraft that provided air cover for the BRP Datu Sanday did not receive any radio challenge during said mission,” it added.

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