MANILA, Philippines — Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has designated Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) spokesman Nazario Briguera as information officer on maritime concerns amid the continued harassment of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
“In the exigency of service, Mr. Nazario Briguera… is hereby designated as the BFAR Information Officer on Maritime Concerns, in concurrent capacity with his regular functions, duties and responsibilities,” Tiu Laurel said in Special Order No. 1536.
For his part, Briguera said that the BFAR will continue its mandate of providing assistance to fisherfolk in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc or Panatag Shoal in the WPS despite the incident on Tuesday where the China Coast Guard used water cannons on two BFAR ships conducting a routine resupply mission.
“We were able to provide supplies to the seven Filipino mother boats and 15 small boats who are operating in the Bajo de Masinloc. BFAR will not be prevented from performing its legal mandate,” Briguera said.
He also commended the crewmembers of BRP Datu Cabaylo and BRP Datu Sanday for their professionalism and commitment.
He added that there is no reason for the Philippine government to get permission from China, which had said that the mission was not authorized.
“There is no reason for us to seek the permission (of China) as this is a legitimate operation in the waters owned by the Philippines,” he said.
According to Briguera, the presence of the BFAR and the Philippine Coast Guard in the WPS is necessary so that the fishers will also have courage to operate in the WPS.
“This proves that the government will not abandon (the Filipino fisherfolk) and will continue to support themslotslv,” he said.