Palace: Pinoy fishermen still free to fish at Panatag Shoal

Filipino fishermen are still free to fish in the disputed Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal despite recent encounters with Chinese Coast Guard in the area, Malacañang clarified on Monday.

"We have fishermen there pa rin... it’s not an issue with us," presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during a press conference.

Affected fishermen have appealed to President Benigno Aquino III for an alternative livelihood so that they will no longer endanger their lives in the disputed waters.

Lacierda said the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has already stated that they will be setting up payaos or fish aggregating devices for fishermen who do not wish to fish too far from the shore.

"Maraming marine resources doon [sa Panatag]; but for the fisherfolk concerned, we can provide them payao," he said.

Harassment

The Philippines, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), has filed a diplomatic protest against China over several cases of harassment of Filipino fishermen, including a water cannon attack, in Manila-claimed Panatag Shoal off the South China Sea.

Aquino has also sought an explanation from Beijing regarding the incident.

But China rejected Manila’s protest, insisting it has “indisputable sovereignty over South China Sea islands and their adjacent waters” including Panatag Shoal.

It also urged the Philippines "to work with the Chinese side to resolve differences through bilateral consultations and negotiations.”

Malacañang, however, rejected the offer for bilateral talks and said it will pursue its arbitration case before the United Nations tribunal. — Kimberly Jane Tan/KBK, GMA News