The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) expresses sincere condolences to the bereaved families of those who perished on board a Chinese fishing vessel that capsized in the Indian Ocean last week, as China's Transport Minister Li Xiaopeng reported.

"We are saddened by this development. Since day one, we have been monitoring and coordinating with the Australian Maritime Rescue Center and the Chinese Embassy as to the progress of the search and rescue (SAR) operations," PCG Spokesperson, CG Rear Admiral Armand Balilo said.

Meanwhile, on behalf of PCG Commandant, CG Admiral Artemio M Abu, Coast Guard Officer-in-Charge, CG Vice Admiral Rolando Lizor Punzalan Jr also recognized the sacrifices of the Australian and Chinese SAR teams that conducted an extensive area of operations in the Indian Ocean.

"We thank the Australian and Chinese SAR teams for their efforts, as we understood the risks they faced while scouring the vast waters amid unpredictable weather conditions," CG Vice Admiral Punzalan expressed.

Several Chinese SAR teams remain in the said vicinity waters.

"We are coordinating with the Department of Foreign Affairs to know how we can assist the affected families during this difficult time," the Coast Guard Officer-in-Charge furthered.