DAVAO CITY — The department of Foreign Affairs on Friday filed a democratic protest against China after the Chinese Coast Guard confiscated the fish aggregating devices (payaos) of Filipino fishermen in Bajo de Masinloc last May.
The DFA in a statement stressed, “The Philippines also resolutely objected to China’s continuing illicit issuances of radio challenges Philippine aircraft conducting legitimate regular maritime patrols in the West Philippine Sea. “
The Scarborough Shoal, also known as the Bajo de Masinloc or Panatag Shoal in Filipino, is a triangle-shaped coral reef situated 124 nautical miles off Zambales.
Records will show that Chinese authorities have been threatening Filipino fishermen in Panatag Shoal undermining the country’s ownership over the area.
In 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration tendered a landmark decision saying both Filipinos and Chinese, as well as other fishermen from other countries, have “traditional fishing rights” at Scarborough Shoal and that China cannot restrict access in the area.
But despite this, China has maintained its presence in the area restricting Filipino fishermen from coming despite the friendly agreement by leaders from both countries.-Newsline.ph
