Chinese Coast Guard ships harassed Filipino fishermen in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal off Zambales recently despite calls by President Duterte for China to allow fishing in the area.
Three Chinese Coast Guard vessels and two Filipino boats were seen at the traditional fishing route last Sept. 6, according to Philippine Coast Guard reports submitted to the National Security Council (NSC) Task Force West Philippine Sea.
The NSC said the crew of the Filipino boat was haggling with the Chinese Coast Guard personnel to let them stay in the area to fish. Another rubber boat from Chinese Coast Guard headed towards the Filipino fishing bancas. The local fishermen, however, refused to leave the area.
Coast Guard operatives then spotted another Filipino boat approaching the shoal.
The three Filipino boats stayed within the area for the night but left in the morning for fear of being harassed by the Chinese ships.
NSC said the PCG monitored a ship of China’s People’s Liberation Army patrolling the shoal the following day. A Chinese Coast Guard vessel was also seen near the vicinity of the shoal on Sept. 10.
The Department of National Defense (DND) said the incident goes against the ruling of the UN- backed Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA).
Source: Philippine Star
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