Its not all tension in the West Philippine Sea as two Filipino fishermen who went missing in Palawan last month were rescued by Chinese Fishermen.

This act of ‘Good Gesture’ happened last February 4 which is an apparent reversal to the Chinese Coast Guard hitting with lasers the Philippine Navy BRP Malapascua two days later.

The Western Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (WESCOM) identified the rescued fishermen as Jerome and Jaybogs Fortu from Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro. Apparently the two fishermen went out fishing last January 23 and ran out of fuel and rough sea conditions sent them adrift towards the West Philippine Sea.

The Chinese fishermen rescue the two while they were near an area called Dalag Bank located 241 kilometers (130 nautical miles) from El Nido, Palawan. They turned them over to WESCOM although the Chinese fishermen were inside the Philippine exclusive economic zone.

The Chinese fishermen had already left the area when the Navy patrol vessel BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PS-15) arrived to pick up the rescued fishermen. They were immediately taken to Camp Ricarte Station Hospital in Puerto Princesa City for medical care.

They were later flown to their hometown in Mamburao by a Philippine Navy Islander Aircraft NV314 to an emotional reunion with their families.

WESCOM Spokesperson Cmdr. Ariel Joseph Coloma commended the Chinese for the “good gesture” while the Chinese Embassy in Manila issued a statement saying: “Let’s continue to embody our friendship and exemplify compassion at sea.”