China denies harassing Filipino fishermen

Acting Department of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Robespierre Bolivar. KING RODRIGUEZ/Presidential Photo (FILE)

The Department of Foreign Affairs said it has asked China to respond to reports that it has been harassing Filipino fishermen in South China Sea.

“We have raised the matter with the Chinese side several times and they informed us that their investigations did not reveal any such incidents,” Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Robespierre Bolivar said.

Bolivar said DFA instead “asked them to continue the investigations and to share the results with Philippine authorities.”

He said they have also called on China “to refrain from the threat or use of force.”

Earlier reports said Filipino fishermen were driven away from Union Banks by a Chinese Navy ship by firing warning shots.

READ: China’s Navy harassed PH fishers, says lawmaker

Union Banks is an atoll located 230 kilometers west of Palawan. It is within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

If confirmed, the incident would be considered the first hostile episode since the Philippines and China have had friendlier relations through the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte. IDL

READ: Filipino fishermen accuse China of firing on their vessel