Some fishermen in Masinloc, Zambales have yet to return to Panatag Shoal despite improving relations between China and the Philippines, saying Chinese harassment in the past had left them traumatized. Interviewed by GMA News' Bam Alegre for his "24 Oras" report on Thursday, Mario Forones recalled his and his fellow fishermen's experience being chased away by Chinese Coast Guard during the height of the standoff at the shoal. The report said Forones used to own two fishing boats, each having the capacity to carry up to four tons of fish. However, after Chinese authorities occupied the shoal and barred Filipino fishermen from going there, he was forced to sell one of his boats while the other has been unused for years now.

GMA News. (2016, November 7). Some fishers too traumatized to return to Panatag Shoal. The Daily Guardian, p. 9.