Filipino fisherfolk will not be cowed and will continue to fish in Panatag Shoal despite China’s empowering of its coast guard to detain for 60 days without trial anyone or any vessel found trespassing in what it considers its territorial waters. In a radio interview at the weekend, New Masinloc Fishermen’s Association president Leonardo Cuaresma maintained that Panatag Shoal is part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ). “They (Chinese) have been doing that (harassment). We are not violating any laws and we will continue to fish there (Panatag Shoal),” Cuaresma said. He asked the Philippine Coast Guard to increase its presence in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal.

Cariaso, B., Villeza, M. E., Romero, A., & Felipe, C. S. (2024, May 20). Pinoys to continue fishing in Panatag. The Philippine Star, pp. 1, 4.