MANILA, Philippines — An increasing number of Filipino fishermen has been monitored in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal despite the presence of China Coast Guard ships in the area, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
In a Viber message to reporters, PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu said they monitored 45 Filipino fishing boats from Feb. 28 to March 5.
“Seeing more Filipino fishing boats in Bajo de Masinloc is proof of our intensified efforts to safeguard Filipino fishermen who consider fishing as their primary source of livelihood,” Abu said, referring to Panatag by its other name. “Through our regular interaction, we assure them that the PCG will remain active and present in the area.”
PCG spokesman Commodore Armand Balilo said 37 Filipino fishing boats were monitored in the area yesterday.
Balilo said this is contrary to earlier reports that Filipinos were restricted from fishing in the area.
“Yung mga pronouncements kasi ng ibang grupo ng fishermen, sinasabi na hindi na sila makapangisda. But the pictures and videos will show na nakakalapit naman sila,” Balilo said. “May mga China Coast Guard vessels nga lang. Pero andun din naman yung mga barko natin.”
He said they would release videos showing the presence of both PCG and China Coast Guard vessels in the area.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) had earlier protested the “shadowing, blocking, dangerous maneuver and radio challenges” by the Chinese Coast Guard directed at PCG vessels conducting patrols and training exercises in the vicinity of Panatag Shoal.
The DFA also filed diplomatic protests against China over unlawful restriction and illegal confiscation of fish aggregating devices locally known as payao of Filipino fishermen in the area.
Located 124 nautical miles from Zambales and within the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone, Bajo de Masinloc is a traditional fishing area for Filipino fishermen.