Amid China fishing ban, PCG to escort Filipino fisherfolk in West PH Sea

DISPUTED TERRITORY A Filipino fishing vessel ventures into the Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. —REM ZAMORA

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will escort and monitor Filipino fisherfolk in the West Philippine Sea amid China’s fishing ban.

PCG Commodore Armand Balilo said this Thursday when asked in a Laging Handa public briefing for a reaction on the fishing prohibition.

“Tayo po ay sasama doon sa mga fishermen. Imo-monitor po natin ‘yung mga fishermen natin sa pangingisda nila,” he answered.

(We will go with our fishermen. We will monitor them while they are fishing.)

China imposed a fishing ban in the South China Sea, covering parts of the West Philippine Sea, which is in effect from May 1 to August 16.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) then lodged a diplomatic protest, saying the ban encroaches into parts of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

The DFA cited the country’s 2016 arbitral victory against China’s claims in the maritime area.

/MUF