Months ago, Filipino fishermen were always driven back by Chinese coast guards near Panatag Shoal. But recently, the fishermen narrated that the Chinese Coast Guard even shared cigarettes, foods and drinks with them.
In 2012, China made a claim on Scarborough Shoal which was part of the 200 nautical miles economic zone of Philippines. When Philippines filed a case in the arbitral tribunal, the decision last June was that the area will be considered as common fishing ground. for Filipino, Chinese and Vietnamese fishermen.
According to them, when they attempted to fish in Scarborough Shoal last October 22, they were driven back by the coast guard and sometimes water canon is used to drive them away. Because of this, the fishermen usually goes back home with nothing. However when they attempted again to fish in the area on October 25, the coast guard allowed them to fish.
It is noted that President Duterte visited China recently, the leaders of both countries made a deal that allows Filipino fishermen to fish in the area again.
In 2012, China made a claim on Scarborough Shoal which was part of the 200 nautical miles economic zone of Philippines. When Philippines filed a case in the arbitral tribunal, the decision last June was that the area will be considered as common fishing ground. for Filipino, Chinese and Vietnamese fishermen.
According to them, when they attempted to fish in Scarborough Shoal last October 22, they were driven back by the coast guard and sometimes water canon is used to drive them away. Because of this, the fishermen usually goes back home with nothing. However when they attempted again to fish in the area on October 25, the coast guard allowed them to fish.
It is noted that President Duterte visited China recently, the leaders of both countries made a deal that allows Filipino fishermen to fish in the area again.
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| Pictured above, fishermen arrived with tons of fishes caught from Scarborough Shoal. They mentioned how grateful they are because President Duterte is able to establish a good relationship with China. |
When Philippines filed a case in the arbitral tribunal after the Chinese claim on the island, the decision last June was that the area will be considered as common fishing ground. for Filipino, Chinese and Vietnamese fishermen.
One fishermen in the area said, "We're now free to fish around the shoal. There's no tension there... As long as we will be allowed to stay and fish around the shoal, I think we can coexist with the Chinese Coast Guard."
Another fisherman said, "Our President has been true to his promise to help us return to the shoal and we're thankful for that". After their previous experience with the Chinese Coast Guard he added, "We're hoping that Filipinos will no longer fear being harassed..."
One week after the visit of President Duterte, the fishermen are now allowed to fish in Scarborough Shoal. After his visit, he mentioned that Filipinos can start fishing in the area again.
