The Philippines will take actions to cause the removal of the barriers reportedly put up by China in Bajo de Masinloc, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said.
"We will take all appropriate actions to cause the removal of the barriers and to protect the rights of our fishermen in the area," Año said in a statement on Monday, Sept. 25.
He said President Marcos is "always informed" on all developments in the West Philippine Sea, particularly in the areas surrounding Bajo de Masinloc and Ayungin Shoal.
The National Security Adviser further said that they condemned the installation of barriers by the China Coast Guard (CCG), calling it a violation of the traditional fishing rights of Filipino fishermen.
"We condemn the installation of floating barriers by CCG in BDM. The placement by the People's Republic of China (PRC) of a barrier violates the traditional fishing rights of our fishermen whose rights to have been affirmed by the 2016 Arbitral ruling," Año said.
He pointed out that China's move, which prevents fishermen from fishing in the area, violates the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in general.
"It ruled categorically that such action by the PRC violated the traditional fishing rights of our fishermen in the shoal who have been fishing there for centuries," he said.
"Any State that prevents them from doing artisanal fishing there violates UNCLOS and international law, in general," he added.
The Philippine Coast Guard disclosed on Sunday, Sept. 24, that China has put up a floating marker which also serves as a barrier in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough or Panatag Shoal) near Zambales.
It was discovered by PCG and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)personnel while they were conducting routine maritime patrol onboard BRP Datu Bankaw last Sept. 22.
The barrier has an estimated length of 300 meters and was installed at the southeast portion of Bajo de Masinloc.
READ MORE: PCG: China installs floating barrier in Bajo de Masinloc