THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that China has reinstalled floating barriers around Panatag Shoal (Scarborough Shoal), seemingly to restrict Filipino fishermen from entering the area.
Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue, stated that the China Coast Guard, supported by two maritime militia vessels, erected these barriers Monday morning while 26 Filipino fishing boats were present.
The Philippine Navy is prepared to offer assistance if needed. Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, Philippine Navy spokesperson on the WPS issue, confirmed that the Navy, Air Force, and Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) are ready to respond. He added that naval patrols in the area are currently underway.
Increased patrols by the Philippines have resulted in more encounters with the China Coast Guard, according to Tarriela.
He noted that escalating patrols inevitably lead to greater challenges from China. Despite this, the PCG and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) plan to reinforce their presence in the WPS to safeguard Filipino fishermen. Tarriela reported that, currently, no harassment incidents have been reported, largely due to the presence of four BFAR vessels and two PCG vessels protecting the Filipino fishing fleet.
