MANILA, Philippines, March 26 ------ The Chinese have reinstalled floating barriers around Panatag or Scarborough Shoal, apparently to prevent Filipino fishermen from entering the area, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported. Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesman on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue, said the China Coast Guard, aided by two maritime militia vessels, installed the barriers Monday morning while 26 Filipino fishing boats were in the area.
At Malacañang, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said they are leaving it up to the PCG and the Department of Defense to decide how to deal with the problem “We already spoke with Commodore Tarriela and we cannot expose whatever operation they will undertake. But we trust the decision of the coast guard, the DND with regard to this,” Castro said at a press briefing. Asked if President Marcos would order the removal of the barriers like what he did in 2023, Castro replied: “We have not heard of such a plan. Let us wait for the possible report on this and what will be the action of the agencies mentioned.”
Tarriela said the PCG had already reported the matter to the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea. The Philippine Navy said it is ready to assist the PCG if the latter seeks help in removing the floating barriers. “In the event that assistance will be needed, the Philippine Navy, the Air Force and the entire NOLCOM (Northern Luzon Command) will be ready to respond. The patrol plans of the ships under Naval Forces Northern Luzon are being implemented as we speak now,” said Philippine Navy spokesman on the WPS issue Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad.
Tarriela said intensified patrols have led to more encounters with the China Coast Guard. “If we increase our patrols, we will encounter more challenges from China,” he said. He maintained that the PCG and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) will strengthen their presence in the West Philippine Sea to ensure the safety of Filipino fishermen. “As of now, there are no reports of harassment by the China Coast Guard. This is primarily because of the presence of four BFAR vessels and two PCG vessels securing our fishermen,” he said.
Tarriela also confirmed the presence of five CCG vessels in the area but they have not shown any aggressive actions. He also revealed that five new 97-meter vessels for the PCG are currently under construction in Japan.
Source: philstar.com
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