Fishermen fishing now in Panatag; Du30 cited

By Eva Visperas

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – After lengthy debate, the provincial board of Pangasinan passed a resolution Monday expressing gratitude to President Duterte for his efforts to ensure that Filipino fishermen could return to Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal.

Seven approved, three opposed while two abstained in the secret balloting for the resolution sponsored by board members Jeremy Agerico Rosario and Raul Sison of the fourth and second districts, respectively. 

‘The national government really worked hard, especially President Duterte, for our fishermen and those from Zambales to go back to Panatag Shoal to fish, “ Rosario  told local media.

He said the mayors of Infanta, Dasol and Burgos towns confirmed that their fishermen have returned to the shoal, also called Bajo de Masinloc. 

Rosario said the President raised the issue when he visited China last month “as part of our quiet diplomacy …to build mutual trust and confidence.”

“The friendship between China and the Philippines has been renewed,” he added.

Sixth district board member Noel Bince opposed the passage of the resolution, saying it is “full of booby traps or loopholes.”

“Even our beloved President Duterte does not want to issue any definitive answer to the Panatag Shoal concern, lest he would be misunderstood by the government of China,” Bince said.

He said the President did not also give a categorical statement that fishermen are given free access in the area. 

Bince said any manifestation and statement regarding the issue would be scrutinized by China. 

“Let us not be the cause of friction between China and the Philippines. Let us not exacerbate the situation by releasing any unwanted statement and resolution,” he said. 

Rosario for his part, said the resolution was only a “show of sentiment for the issue at hand.”

The shoal and its surrounding areas are rich fishing grounds. It is located 124 nautical miles off Zambales and is well within the country’s 200-mile exclusive economic zone.

China seized control of the shoal in 2012 following a standoff with the Philippine Coast Guard.

Filipino fishermen had been harassed or asked to leave by the Chinese coast guard.