Chinese coast guard has rescued Filipino Fishermen near disputed Scarborough Shoal.
Chinese coast guard has rescued two of five missing fishermen near disputed Scarborough Shoal. They failed to return home after going out to contested waters.
China’s assistance to the rescue operation of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) was a big help.
According to a recent news report of ABS-CBN news, the Chinese have rescued two Philippine fishermen from the waters of the disputed Scarborough Shoal.
Reports said authorities are now verifying the identities of the Filipino fishermen.
The report was confirmed by Commander Armand A. Balilo, PCG spokesperson By saying, “As we speak, the Chinese vessel is linking up with our own ship to turn over the two Filipino fishermen.”
“It is taking some time because the waters in the area are very rough,” he added.
The incident was said to be the first time for the country in four years both countries’ to have a close contact in the Scarborough Shoal.
Following the state visit of the Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to China in October, Filipino fishermen were allowed to enter the disputed sea without being harassed by the Chinese Coast Guard.
The rescue incident proves the rapid changes in the relationship between the two countries under President Duterte.
In a recent news report of ABS-CBN news, the Chinese coast guards helped the Philippine coast guard after Philippines requested a coordinated rescue operation for searching five Filipinos who failed to return from a fishing trip.
Two were reportedly rescued among five Philippine fishermen who are missing when fishing in the water area.