China: No reports of clash with PH fishing boat - ABS CBN News

MANILA, Philippines - The Chinese Embassy has not received any reports of a Chinese vessel colliding with a Philippine boat last week, spokesperson Zhang Hua said.

Zhang said “media reports” that an alleged Chinese vessel rammed into a local fishing boat in Bolinao, Pangasinan last June 20 remain to be verified.

“Upon seeing the stories, the Chinese Embassy immediately checked with the relevant authorities in China and was told that, up until now there have been no reports of vessel collision accident or SOS requests on the reported dates and in the reported waters,” Zhang said.

Zhang added: “We wonder what that news story was based upon. We hope relevant persons can verify the facts with a responsible attitude before they report.”

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Sunday that a Filipino died while four of his colleagues remain missing after the incident.

The boat’s owner received an alert from its operator that an alleged Chinese vessel bumped into their boat, which was then anchored to a “payaw” or fish sanctuary.

One person was rescued but eventually died at an Ilocos Sur hospital. Three of his colleagues are still at the Gabriela Silang General Hospital.

Still missing are: Fred Celino, Arnold Garcia, Domy delos Santos and Amante Resonable.

The NDRRMC said rescue operations are now underway to find the missing fishermen.