Livelihood of Scarborough Shoal fishers hurt by Chinese’ catch-snatching ways

China's baseless claim over the fish-rich waters around Scarborough Shoal hurts more for Filipino fishermen who are forced to give their catch to members of the Chinese coast guard.

According to Sandra Aguinaldo's report on "24 Oras", the Chinese board the Filipino fishermen's boats even if they're inside the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

Aside from taking away their catch, the fishermen said the Chinese would even hurt them physically.

One of the fishers interviewed was emotional as he recounted their ordeal with the Chinese.

"Ayaw ko sanang ibigay dahil naaawa rin ako sa pamilya ko. Halos wa akong kinita sir sa Scarborough," the fisherman told the Reporters' Notebook team.

"Umuwi kaming luhaan. Walang kinita. 'Yun ang ayaw ko," he added.

When did this happen?

"Itong December. Kinawit pa ako dito sa leeg," the fisherman said.

The fishermen said such incidents happened often.

Malacañang has dismissed a video of Chinese taking fish from a Filipino boat as "inconclusive" of harassment.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has yet to issue a statement on the harassment of Filipino fishermen. —NB, GMA News