MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed Thursday that two Chinese vessels struck the capsized boat carrying the fisherman who went missing in the West Philippine Sea after allision.
In a Viber message to reporters, PCG Spokesperson, CG Rear Admiral Armando Balilo said they are currently conducting investigations regarding the allision incident.
On July 3, the Filipino fishing boat FBCA John Robert was hit by “foreign vessels” and sank approximately 62 nautical miles southeast of Sampaloc Point in Subic, Zambales.
Robert Mondoñedo survived after he was rescued on July 6 but his brother Jose Mondoñedo remains missing.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing and BRP Sindangan continues to search nearby waters for Mondoñedo, Balilo said.
Balilo shared the PCG coordinates with Indonesian Port State Control regarding two suspected Chinese vessels currently in the waters near Adang Bay, Indonesia.
The foreign vessels identified as Yong Fa Men and Mei Lan Hu are both bulk carriers from China.
Meanwhile, the PCG said it has already coordinated with Chinese authorities regarding the incident.
“We have informed the Chinese Embassy in Manila regarding the incident. We will also write to the China Maritime Safety Agency for their cooperation in the ongoing investigation,” said Balilo.
