Philippine Coast Guard spots Chinese warship in Scarborough Shoal

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has spotted a Chinese warship in the disputed Scarborough Shoal, in addition to the smaller vessels previously reported in the area. 

This was the report brought home by BRP Malabrigo on Monday, June 10, after a 4-day patrol in the area off Zambales, which is also known as Panatag Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc. 

Captain Armand Balilo, spokesman of the PCG, said, “Pagdating nila, andoon na ‘yung mga Chinese ships.” (When they got there, the Chinese ships were already in the area.)

The Philippine Coast Guard vessel spotted two China Coast Guard vessels, two militia boats, and the navy warship “going around Scarborough Shoal,” Balilo said in a mix of English and Filipino.  

“Andoon sila palagi (They are always there),” he added. (READ: 5 ways Duterte can defend Scarborough without going to war)

During the 4-day maritime patrol of the PCG, the China Coast Guard reportedly kept on asking why the Philippine vessel was in the area.

Local fishermen told the PCG personnel they were being harassed by people on the Chinese vessels. (READ: China shooing away PH fishermen from Panatag Shoal? ‘What can we do?’ – Panelo and ‘2 bottles of water for P3,000 worth of fish in Panatag Shoal’)

“Maliban sa regular na pagtatanong sa PCG ng China Coast Guard sa kanilang presensiya sa area, wala namang untoward incident na nagyari sa loob ng apat na araw,” Balilo said. (Aside from the China Coast Guard asking the PCG about their presence, there were no untoward incidents during the 4-day patrol.) – Rappler.com