Dredging pipes found in Zambales came from China, confirms PCG

From the Daily Tribune (Aug 12): Dredging pipes found in Zambales came from China, confirms PCG

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) pointed to China as the origin of the dredging pipes recovered by fishermen off Zambales in July.

Admiral Rodolfo Isorena, PCG commandant, however, said that the dredging pipes with buoys apparently came from the Kalayaan Islands Group (KIGs) or the Spratlys in the disputed West Philippine Sea where China conducted massive reclamation activities during the past months.

Isorena said that Bajo de Masinloc or Panatag Shoal remains clear of any Chinese construction based on latest PCG monitoring.

 “It’s China, there is no one else,” replied Isorena when asked by reporters after Monday’s change of command ceremony at the Philippine Navy where did the buoys come from.

According to Isorena, the recovered items by local fishermen in Zambales are being used for dredging.

 Pressed where could have the dredging pipes come from, Isorena said “Kalayaan. In bajo de Masinloc, they do have anything whatsoever, there is no construction. So far, Bajo de Masinloc is still clear.

Isorena expressed belief that the pipes were washed away from Kalayaan to Zambales during typhoons.

China has established de facto control of Bajo de Masinloc or Panatag Shoal since 2012 after the three-month standoff with Philippine authorities.

Filipino fishermen have been harassed by Chinese ships staying in Panatag Shoal.

Isorena said that the Coast Guard is currently trying to recover some of the pipes from Zambales fishermen and use them as evidence against China.

However, Isorena said that the Coast Guard is yet to receive any directive from the national government regarding the issue “but we’re trying to get some pieces from the fishermen.”

Last month, local fishermen in Zambales fished out huge pipes with buoys with Chinese marking from the high seas and pulled them ashore.

Isorena said that the rule “finders keepers” apply to the matter as the subject items are not government property and no one is claiming ownership.
 

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/dredging-pipes-found-in-zambales-came-from-china-confirms-pcg