3 Chinese ships, 7 PH fishing vessels spotted in Panatag

MANILA, Philippines –  It’s “status quo” in the disputed waters of Panatag Shoal, located off the coast of Zambales, according to Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. 

Status quo means Chinese coast guard ships continue to patrol the disputed waters but Filipinos are also freely fishing. 

China has reportedly passed a new law requiring foreign fishermen operating in the disputed waters – including the West Philippines Sea – to seek its permission. 

“In Bajo de Masinloc, as of yesterday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported that they sighted 3 Coast Guard vessels of the Chinese in the shoal but there are also 7 fishing boats belonging to the Philippines,” Gazmin told reporters on Friday, January 24.

Bajo de Masinloc has been officially renamed Panatag Shoal although many in the security sector still refer to its old name. 

There are no new reports of harassment there, he said. “Nandoon sila e di hindi hinaharass. Kung wala sila e di naharass na, di ba? (They are there meaning they are not harassed. If they are being harassed, they won’t be there.)

The Phiilppine vessels are not escorted.

Gazmin downplayed the accuracy of the reports on China’s fishing rules. He said they are waiting for official communication from China to confirm it. 

AFP chief of staff General Emmanuel Bautista earlier told local fishermen to ignore China’s reported fishing rules. – Carmela Fonbuena/Rappler.com