Alleged Chinese plane scares Filipino fishermen in Scarborough fly-by

MANILA, Philippines – China has allegedly conducted a fly-by over the disputed Scarborough Shoal although the type of aircraft could not be identified, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin told reporters Tuesday.

The aircraft buzzed over a Filipino fishing boat that was forced to leave the area, Gazmin said.

“Di makapangisda ang mga mangingisda. Pinapaalis [The fishermen could not fish. They are being forced to leave],” he told reporters.

As of posting time, a Filipino fishing vessel, M/Y Saranggani with six French nationals conducting archaeological survey and the Coast Guard’s BRP Edsa were still in the area.

China, meanwhile, maintained its two maritime surveillance vessels while a new fishing vessel has arrived in the disputed waters.

“Up to now the tension is still high,” Gazmin said.

However, he reiterated that the Philippines is still pushing for a peaceful means to settle the situation.

“We cannot afford a war,” he said.

“I’m sure China will not go to war over this,” he added.