Chinese vessels obstruct PH probe into suspected dynamite fishing near Pag-asa

The Philippine Coast Guard says Chinese vessels obstruct a law enforcement operation targeting suspected dynamite fishing near Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea. The PCG reports that its joint response team, which includes personnel from the Coast Guard, Philippine Navy, and the Philippine National Police–Maritime Group, intervenes after receiving reports of blast fishing activity.

The incident takes place near the Sandy Cays 2 and 3, about three nautical miles west of Pag-asa Island, in the morning. According to the PCG, personnel observe a foreign fishing vessel apparently conducting blast fishing. Both outlets describe the obstruction as coming from Chinese maritime units, with the PCG publicly criticizing China’s Coast Guard for hindering the operation.

While the core account is consistent across sources—suspected dynamite fishing is reported and the subsequent Philippine operation is obstructed—outlets emphasize different elements. GMA focuses on the PCG statement that Chinese vessels block the operation, while Inquirer highlights the PCG’s condemnation of the reported interference by the Chinese Coast Guard. Neither outlet provides additional details on arrests or outcomes at the time of reporting.