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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Pinoy fishers to PBBM: Order removal of China's buoys in Panatag Shoal

Pinoy fishers to PBBM: Order removal of China's buoys in Panatag Shoal

Published Sep 25, 2023 08:58 am
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(Screenshot taken from PCG’s Facebook page video)

Fisherfolk group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) has urged President Marcos to immediately order the removal of China’s 300-meter floating barrier off Panatag Shoal as it affects the livelihood of local fishers.

“The Marcos administration must go beyond lodging diplomatic protests and take necessary steps to have these nuisance floating objects immediately removed from our territorial waters,” Pamalakaya vice chairperson for Luzon, Bobby Roldan, said in a statement released on Monday, Sept. 25.

According to the group, the buoy installed by China is another obstacle to Filipino fishers and affects the country’s fishing production.

“Even before these buoys, we are unable to return to the lagoon inside the Panatag Shoal due to the permanent presence of at least two Chinese Coast Guard vessels in its passage,” Pamalakaya said.

It noted that the said lagoon is crucial for Filipinos especially in times of turbulent weather and rough seas, because it serves as a safe harbor for our fishing vessels.

Pamalakaya has asserted that China has no legal basis to put up any objects in the Philippines’ traditional waters that will obstruct the country’s freedom of navigation and fishing rights.

“We are expecting more from our maritime authorities, such as enforcing the basic rules of engagement in a situation like this. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) or Navy could just eject the buoys right away, as it is against international law,” the group went on.

Recently, the PCG and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)  have denounced the China Coast Guard's (CCG’s) recent installation of a floating barrier in the Panatag Shoal's southeast area.

The floating barrier was discovered by PCG and BFAR personnel aboard BRP Datu Bankaw during a routine maritime patrol on Sept. 22 in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc, the old name of Panatag also known as Scarborough Shoal.

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