Chinese Coast Guard Harasses Filipino Fishermen At Scarborough Shoal

22-1-2024 (MANILA) In a recent incident at Scarborough Shoal, also known as Panatag Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc, the China Coast Guard (CCG) allegedly harassed Filipino fishermen collecting taktakun shells, ordering them to throw their catch back into the sea. The Philippine Coast Guard-West Philippine Sea (PCG-WPS) confirmed the incident, with witnesses recounting how the CCG, aboard a rubber boat with registration number 3104, prevented Filipino fishermen from gathering shells on January 12.

According to Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG-WPS spokesperson, the CCG’s rubber boat pursued Filipino fishing vessels, and its personnel instructed the fishermen to return the gathered shells to the sea. The CCG members reportedly swam towards the fishing vessels, and one was documented grabbing a boat, demanding compliance before allowing it to depart.

Filipino fisherman Jack Tabat, aboard the FB Legendary Jo, witnessed the incident and reported the CCG’s actions. The PCG is awaiting the arrival of the harassed fishing vessel to gather further testimonies from the affected fishermen.