The side of the Scarborough Shoal as seen using a drone. Mother boats are anchored at the deeper part of the shoal while small boats can go across the coral reefs to catch fish inside. (PHOTO BY REM ZAMORA)
MANILA, Philippines — A Chinese aircraft was spotted patrolling over Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal for the first time in recent years, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Commodore Jay Tarriela said on Tuesday.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources reported that a gray helicopter with Chinese markings was seen in the area.
“This is the first time na mayroon tayong nakita na Chinese aircraft patrolling over the airspace of Bajo de Masinloc in the recent time,” said Tarriela on the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon public briefing.
(This is the first time in years that we saw a Chinese aircraft patrolling over the airspace of Bajo de Masinloc.)
Philippine vessel signals have been reportedly jammed when venturing into the disputed area.
Tarriela, however, said that the government will continue to uphold Filipino fisherfolks’ right to fish.