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.

Villeza, M. E., & Lee-Brago, P. (2023, September 25). China sets up floating barrier in Panatag Shoal. The Philippine Star, pp. 1, 6.