Filipino fishermen harassed again by Chinese Coast Guard at Panatag shoal

Filipino fishermen who put out to sea to earn a living were harassed by Chinese Coast Guard personnel when they reached the Panatag Shoal at the West Philippine Sea, GMA News' Jiggy Manicad reported on "State of the Nation with Jessica Soho."

The fishermen on board four fishing vessels said the Coast Guard vessels closed in on them and that they also heard horn signals. They added that the Chinese personnel also cut loose the anchor of their boats.

The incident occurred almost two months after the UN arbitral tribunal ruling that favored the stand of the Philippines on its territory dispute with China.

The fishermen said there are more Chinese vessels at the Bajo de Masinloc, confirming the photos released by the Department of National Defense.

Earlier, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) released the photos of Chinese Coast Guard vessels to show that China has entered our territory.

GMA News tried to get a statement from the Chinese Embassy about the latest incident but phone calls were unanswered.

China issued a statement earlier that they are open to the possibility of allowing Filipino fishermen to enter Panatag or Scarborough Shoal.

Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jian-Hua said that the issue can be discussed by the Philippines and China.

However, he reiterated that China will not accept the decision of the International Arbitral Tribunal on the case filed by the Philippines last Aug. 29, that Panatag shoal is a common fishing ground.

President Rodrigo Duterte, in his speech at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani last month, had asked China to understand the plight of the Filipino fishermen.

"I hope you treat us like brothers, not your enemies and take note of the plight of our citizens," he said.

On Wednesday, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China issued a joint statement that the countries pledge to implement the "Code of unplanned encounters at sea in the South China Sea."

Also included in the statement is the agreement on the use of safety and communication procedures by all Naval ships and aircraft of countries concerned at the South China Sea.

The statement, however, does not mention the decision of the arbitral tribunal on the case filed by the Philippines.

According to West Philippine Sea expert Chito Sta. Romana, the statement is the result of a compromise.

"Kasi hati ang ASEAN. I think it's significant because they're able to maintain their unity, at least consensus sa ASEAN," he said.

"So either hatiin mo ang ASEAN na walang statement or you agree with a consensus that will contain the message in diplomatic terms," he added. — BAP, GMA News