China sets up floating barrier in Panatag Shoal

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) yesterday condemned the China Coast Guard (CCG)’s recent installation of a floating barrier in the southeast area of Panatag Shoal.

According to PCG spokesperson on the West Philippine Sea Jay Tarriela, the floating barrier, estimated to be around 300 meters in length, was discovered by PCG and BFAR personnel aboard BRP Datu Bankaw during a routine maritime patrol on Sept. 22 in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc, the old name of Panatag also known as Scarborough Shoal.

The installation of the floating barrier was carried out by three CCG rigid hull inflatable boats and a service boat from the Chinese maritime militia upon the arrival of the BFAR vessel in the vicinity of the shoal.

According to reports from Filipino fishermen, the CCG vessels typically deploy floating barriers whenever they observe a significant number of Filipino fishermen operating in the area.

During the routine maritime patrol, the BFAR vessel noted the presence of more than 50 Filipino boats actively engaged in fishing activities within the region.

Recognizing the importance of supporting the fishermen, the BFAR provided them with various grocery items and fuel subsidies to sustain their operations.

However, four CCG vessels (CCG-3065, CCG-3066, CCG-3105 and CCG-3301) initiated 15 radio challenges in an attempt to expel the BFAR vessel and fishermen from the area.

The CCG crew claimed that the presence of the BFAR vessel and Filipino fishermen violated international law and the domestic laws of the People’s Republic of China.

In response, the BFAR vessel acknowledged each radio call and reiterated that they were conducting a routine patrol