Pinoy fishermen not barred from going to Panatag Shoal –Palace

There was no order for Filipino fishermen not to go to Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal after an international arbrital tribunal ruled in favor of the Philippines in its case against China, Malacañang said Friday.

However, the fishermen were told they could proceed but "with care," according to presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella.

"We’re still saying that the fishermen are not prevented," Abella said during a press briefing. "However, they are cautioned to proceed with care. There's no statements preventing them specifically."

The local government of Masinloc, Zambales, has earlier advised their fishermen to stay away from Panatag Shoal until they receive the go-signal from the national government to avoid tension. 

"Noong kumalma at wala ng alon, nagpaalam sila na lalaot sila at sinabihan ko naman silang 'wag muna lumapit sa Scarborough. Wala pang advice," Lino Torres of Masinloc LGU said in the report by GMA News' Bam Alegre.

Masinloc Vice Mayor Pedro Enciso said: "Mas mabuti 'yung ganun para hindi magkaroon ng tension between the two parties. Medyo mainit pa rin 'yung kabila. Mas maganda na 'yung maghintay tayo ng talagang may final ... especially kung magkakaroon ng usapan."

In 2012, a standoff occurred in Panatag Shoal between the Chinese Navy and government forces after Philippine forces spotted Chinese fishermen gathering marine species. Before Philippine forces could make arrests, they were blocked by Chinese vessels.

Since then Filipino fishermen have been barred by Chinese vessels from going to the shoal. But in May 2016, officials reported that Filipinos can now fish in the disputed area without being harassed by Chinese authorities. 

On Tuesday, the Philippines scored a victory against China in a landmark ruling by an international tribunal that invalidated China’s massive claims in the resource-rich waters of the South China Sea. 

The ruling said there was no evidence that China had historically exercised exclusive control over the South China Sea and its resources. —Amita O. Legaspi/KBK, GMA News