More and more Filipino fishing in Panatag (Scarborough Shoal)

At least 10 Filipino fishing vessels have resumed fishing in Panatag, one of them has been at the area for the last five days, while another one for the last three days There are more Filipino fishing in Scarborough Shoal.

The report said three Chinese Coast Guard vessels were spotted circling the shoal's perimeter but were not "intimidating or blocking" the Filipino fishermen.

Just three months ago, in October, Chinese Coast Guard not only drove away Filipino fishermen but also seized their catch and fishing equipment.

"Iyong huli namin, pinagtatapon nila. Iyong mga gamit namin, mga kawil, kinukuha din nila tiinatapon nila noon," Jon, one of the Filipino fishermen said.

"Itapon nila, bago, iyong iba, kuhanin nila at i-karga nila," he added.

Filipino fishermen resumed fishing in Panatag Shoal, following a bilateral meeting in Beijing between President Rodrigo Duterte and the Chinese government.

Upon his return to the Philippines last week, Duterte announced that Filipino fishermen can go back fishing in the disputed territory.

"The reason why it was not formally announced and the reason why it was not reduced into writing was because there was disagreement on the use of words," said Roque, who was with Duterte in China.

"We don't want the word 'allow' or 'permit' to be used by China," said Roque, stressing that the Philippine contingent invoked an arbitral ruling by an international tribunal that Filipinos, Chinese, and Vietnamese "can look forward to Scarborough Shoal as their traditional fishing ground."

Filipino now can freely fish in Panatag (Scarborough Shoal).