PALAWAN — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Thursday refloated a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel that ran aground at Hasa-Hasa Shoal in the West Philippine Sea while delivering fuel subsidies to Filipino fishermen.

The BRP Datu Magat Salamat (MMOV-3015) was conducting a fuel distribution mission under the government’s Kadiwa para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda (KBBM) Program in the Kalayaan Island Group when it ran aground in shallow waters on Sept. 17.

The vessel was approaching a group of Filipino fishing boats to position itself for the distribution of fuel to about 15 to 20 fishing vessels when the incident occurred.

The fishing boats initially attempted to tow the BFAR vessel, but the effort was unsuccessful because of the morning low tide and their limited pulling capacity.

The PCG then dispatched the BRP Malabrigo (MRRV-4402) from Buliluyan Port in Bataraza, Palawan, with Coast Guard divers on board.

The BRP Malabrigo arrived at the area around noon and deployed a 600-meter towing line using its rigid-hulled inflatable boat.

At about 3:34 p.m., the PCG vessel successfully pulled the BRP Datu Magat Salamat out of the grounding area despite rough seas, southwesterly winds of 22 to 27 knots and large waves, according to PCG spokesman for the West Philippine Sea Rear Adm. Jay Tarriela.

During the operation, the BRP Malabrigo also monitored a China Coast Guard aircraft, tail number 11101, conducting what the PCG described as apparent aerial surveillance over the grounded BFAR vessel.

After being refloated, the BRP Datu Magat Salamat continued its mission to other areas to complete the distribution of fuel subsidies to Filipino fishermen.

Tarriela said the PCG would continue to support BFAR and other government agencies in ensuring the safety and welfare of Filipino fishermen exercising their rights in the West Philippine Sea.

The operation was also in line with the standing guidance of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure the safety and security of Filipino fishermen in Philippine waters.