Filipino fishermen were reportedly harassed by Chinese Coast Guard in Scarborough Shoal early this month.
Citing reports from the Philippine Coast Guard, the National Security Council-Task Force West Philippine Sea said in a statement on Tuesday that the Chinese personnel onboard a rubber boat ordered Filipino fishermen aboard two bancas (outrigger boats) to leave the area last Sept. 6.
At the time there were three China Coast Guard vessels in the shoal, the report said.
The fishermen pleaded to allow them to fish in the shoal but another Chinese rubber boat was sent to deal with them.
The captain of the Filipino banca told his crew to return to their mother boat, the report said. After the incident, another Filipino banca was sighted approaching the shoal.
“When the Filipino banca was around three nautical miles from Bajo de Masinloc, it was blocked by the Chinese Coast Guard. The Filipino banca outmaneuvered the Chinese Coast Guard vessel. Two Chinese rubber boats were deployed to intercept the Filipino banca from reaching Bajo de Masinloc. The Chinese rubber boats eventually disengaged and went back to their respective mother boats,” the PCG was quoted as saying.
The three Filipino bancas were able to stay in the shoal for the night but they left in the morning for fear of harassment by the Chinese Coast Guard vessels.
The Coast Guard also monitored a People’s Liberation Army Navy vessel patrolling the vicinity 17 of the shoal last Sept. 7.
A Chinese Coast Guard vessel was also spotted near the shoal last Sept. 10.
The Department of National Defense said the actions of the Chinese were contrary to the United Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling declaring the area as a traditional fishing ground and open to all.
“Their action runs counter to the ruling of the PCA and denies our fisher folk access to what has always been their traditional fishing ground. We advise our countrymen to always keep their personal safety in mind when venturing into the area,” DND public affairs service director Arsenio Andolong told reporters.
“As of late, our government has instructed our Philippine Coast Guard to maintain a constant presence in Bajo de Masinloc. The AFP, meanwhile, will continue to monitor all activities in the area,” Andolong added. TVJ/rga
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