AFP encourages fishing in Panatag Shoal

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Philippines—Filipino fisherfolk in Panatag Shoal (Scarborough) off Zambales are encouraged by the military to continue fishing despite reported harassment incidents by China.

“Driving away is parang normal sa kanila eh. They do not allow our Filipino fishermen to fish so that is actually, our message also kahit ganun ang ginagawa ng China I would appeal to our Filipino fishermen especially in Northern Luzon to just go there kasi that’s ours. That’s a traditional fishing ground,” Palawan-based Western Command chief Vice Adm. Alexander Lopez told reporters on Tuesday.

Panatag Shoal, which is within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, is also claimed by China.

It is believed that China has taken over the shoal after a standoff between Chinese maritime patrol vessels and the Philippine Navy in 2012. Since then, the Chinese have been keeping away Filipino fisherfolk to go fishing, most times through water cannon.

“On the average there are two or three [Chinese] Coast Guard ships going around Scarborough,” Lopez said.

He said the most recent incident of harassment  carried out by China to Filipino fisherfolk in Panatag was the one reported last week.