Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels are stationed near Scarborough Shoal, monitoring access routes in the West Philippine Sea. This activity, combined with military exercises, disrupts traditional fishing grounds and poses challenges for Filipino fishermen.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported on Thursday the presence of two China Coast Guard (CCG) and seven Chinese maritime militia vessels stationed outside Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) and two other ships positioned inside, monitoring access routes in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Additionally, a People's Liberation Army Navy ship was detected about 50 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales.
The Chinese ships were spotted during a maritime patrol by the PCG and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), which distributed food packs and groceries to Filipino fishermen in about 40 boats in the area, a traditional fishing ground. Despite the support of the PCG and BFAR, one group of fishermen, the Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Mangingisda (Pangisda-Pilipinas) expressed frustration over the disruptions brought by military exercises in the area. 'We are being dragged into this conflict that does not bring any good to the Filipino people,' Pablo Rosales, national chairman of the group, told The Manila Times in an interview on Thursday, Dec. 10, speaking in Filipino. He urged the government to approach the conflict with China cautiously, highlighting the economic and diplomatic importance of the Philippines' largest trading partner. Rosales said joint military exercises between the Philippines and the United States also compounded the problem. These drills often lead to the establishment of 'no-sail zones,' effectively barring local fishermen from accessing traditional fishing grounds. Intensified CCG patrols in response to the military exercises, he said, further restricted their fishing in the area. 'We, the fishermen, are the ultimate victims. Our livelihoods are being exploited and endangered by organizations aiming to heighten tensions,' Rosales said. He said the cascading impact of restricted access, disrupted fishing activities, and heightened fears has pushed many fishermen closer to povert
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