Poll: Diplomacy best way to resolve Scarborough Shoal standoff

MANILA, Philippines – Majority of Inquirer.net readers believe that the Philippines should employ diplomatic methods in order to resolve the Scarborough Shoal standoff with China, a survey result said.

In a survey posted on Inquirer.net, 71.98 percent of the respondents or 578 readers, answered yes when asked whether they think the Philippines should engage in diplomacy to resolve the conflict with China regarding the Scarborough Shoal.

Meanwhile, 28.02 percent of the respondents or 225 readers answered no to the same question.

A total of 803 Inquirer.net readers participated in the survey which was posted last week.

Tension between the Philippines and China rose last week after the Philippine Navy deployed the BRP Gregorio del Pilar–a US Hamilton-class cutter and currently the biggest war ship in the country’s fleet—to the Scarborough Shoal in an attempt to deter Chinese boats from fishing in the area.

Following the deployment, China sent two surveillance vessels and prevented the BRP Gregorio del Pilar from arresting the Chinese fishermen.

Tensions eased over the weekend after Chinese fishing boats left the shoal following the pulling out of BRP Gregorio del Pilar, which local authorities said left to refuel and restock supplies.