The Department of Foreign Affairs yesterday said China belied reports its forces were involved in the reported harassment of Filipino fishermen near Union Bank, also known as Pagkakaisa Bank, in the South China Sea. “We have raised the matter with the Chinese side several times and they informed us that their investigations did not reveal any such incidents,” said DFA spokesman Robespierre Bolivar. Union Bank, a traditional fishing ground for Filipino fishermen, is near the Gaven Reef, an artificial island built and fortified by China in the disputed waters.

Hachero, A., & Reyes, Victor. (2017, May 3). DFA: China denies harassing Pinoy fishers. Malaya Business Insight, pp. B1, B6.