A malacanang official said that there are no longer Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels in Scarborough Shoal and that Filipino fishermen are now able to freely access the area. This development comes one week after President Duterte's state visit to China. Duterte announced that Filipino fishermen may be able to return to the Chinese-held Scarborough Shoal after he discussed the territorial rift with Chinese leaders.

Aben, E. L. (2016, October 29). Scarborough now accessible to PH fishermen - Palace. Manila Bulletin, p. 3.