President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday defended the removal by the Philippine Coast Guard of a floating barrier installed by China in the West Philippine Sea, saying that it was necessary to protect the country's maritime territory and its fishermen. In an interview with reporters in Siargao, the President said the barrier was inside Philippine territory, preventing local fishermen from accessing their traditional fishing grounds.

Piatos, T. C. (2023, September 30). BBM: China's barrier deprived Pinoys of 164 tons of fish daily. Daily Tribune, p. A2.