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'UNACCEPTABLE'

Bayan condemns China Coast Guard harassment of Pinoy fishermen in Scarborough Shoal


The militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) on Saturday condemned the China Coast Guard's "unacceptable" harrassment of Filipino fishermen in the waters of Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc or Panatag Shoal), urging the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to file a diplomatic protest.

"Bayan condemns the recent harassment of Filipino fishermen by the Chinese Coast Guard at Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal. The actions of the Chinese Coast Guard are unacceptable," it said in a statement.

GMA News was able to film on camera the Chinese asking for fish and then sailing away when fishermen explained they have not caught any.

Bayan cited the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling which stated that the Philippines enjoys sovereign rights over the area and that Filipino fishermen can fish without any hindrance.

"The Chinese Coast Guard has no right to take away the catch of the Filipino fishermen. They do not own those waters and the resources beneath. The DFA should immediately file a diplomatic protest over this incident," Bayan said.

The group also urged the government to provide aid for the struggling fishermen.

Malacañang on Friday asked for more information on the report, as the video seemed to be "inconclusive," according to presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.

Bayan said China's actions and the Duterte regime's "silence" are some of the reasons for their #HINDIpendenceDay protest on June 12 at Liwasang Bonifacio. —Jamil Santos/KG, GMA News

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