Phl protests China’s ramming of fishing boats in Panatag

MANILA, Philippines - The government protested Wednesday the intentional ramming of three Philippine fishing boats by a Chinese coast guard vessel on Jan. 29 and the destructive and illegal harvesting of giant clams in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, also called Bajo de Masinloc.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) handed over two protest notes to representatives of the Chinese embassy in Manila, in connection with the recent incidents at Panatag Shoal.

The DFA received a report from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) that three Philippine fishing vessels – F/B Barbie, F/B Ocean Glory 2 and F/B Ana Marie – were “intentionally rammed” by Chinese vessel 3412 last Jan. 29.

“The Philippines strongly protested China’s continuing actions to harass and prevent Filipino fishermen from legitimately pursuing their livelihood in that area,” the DFA said in a statement.

The PCG also reported that on Jan. 22, 24 Chinese utility boats were spotted collecting endangered giant clams in Panatag Shoal. Chinese fishing vessels were also seen transporting the collected giant clams to other boats.

Panatag Shoal is located 124 nautical miles from the nearest point in Zambales and is well within the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone.

“The act of harvesting giant clams, which are among the most endangered marine species, entails the crushing and destruction of surrounding corals which result in the permanent destruction of the reef itself,” the DFA said in a statement.

The DFA said China’s toleration of, and active support for, the environmentally harmful fishing practices by its nationals in Panatag Shoal violates the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

China defends actions

China yesterday defended the actions of its coast guard vessel in the disputed South China Sea and urged Manila to increase “indoctrination” of its fishermen.

The news drew a stern rebuke from China’s Foreign Ministry, which said that last Thursday, many fishing vessels from the Philippines were “illegally lingering” in the waters surrounding Panatag Shoal and did not abide by China’s management.