China imposes 15-mile fishing rule in Panatag Shoal

MANILA, Philippines - Chinese surveillance ships deployed within the Philippines' Panatag Shoal are now imposing a 15-mile fishing restriction around the contested area, fishermen from Zambales province complained Wednesday.

The fisherman's family from Masinloc town in Zambalez said that the Chinese's menacing presence in the shoal has been preventing fishermen from venturing into the disputed area, which is locally called Bajo de Masinloc.

“We were warned to stay outside the 15-nautical miles from the shoal,” said Mike.

He alleged that hs fishing boat was recently intercepted and barred by a Chinese surveillance ship from entering the 15-nautical mile radius around Panatag.

Mike’s sister, Jen, also said that the Chinese fishing restrictions in and around Panatag has greatly affected their livelihood.

China virtually occupied Panatag shoal (Scarborough Shoal) since last year after President Benigno Aquino III ordered the withdrawal of the country's vessels following a tense standoff triggered by the apprehension of Chinese fishermen and seizure of their fishing vessels by the passing Philippine Navy flagship BRP Gregorio del Pilar, while conducting illegal poaching and illegal fishing activities in the area in April last year.

“Hindi na nga sila nakakapasok sa lagoon ay pinagbawalan pa sila ngayon na lumapit sa shoal, kaya doon na lamang nangingisda ang mga kapatid ko sa labas ng 15-nautical mile fishing restrictions na ipinapatupad ng mga Chinese,” Jen said.

China, citing historical facts, has been claiming almost all of the entire South China Sea as an integral part of its maritime domain, which is being opposed by the Philippines Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunie.

A U-shape shoal whose entrance to its lagoon has been roped up by China, serves as a traditional fishing ground for fishermen from Zambales and nearby provinces. It is also located 124 nautical miles from mainland Zambales and is well within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The area also once served as impact point of joint air exercises by Philippine and US Air Forces prior to the closure of two US bases in the Philippines, the Clark Air Field and the Subic Naval Base.