Center Law Philippines yesterday (June 24) submitted an urgent appeal to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights to call attention to the human rights violations which took place on the fishing grounds of the Scarborough Shoal (locally known as “Panatag Shoal” or “Bajo de Masinloc”). Scarborough Shoal is 18 hours away from the coastal towns of Masinloc and Subic yet the fisherfolk still seek out the area because of its rich marine resource. Aside from giving them their livelihood, the area also provides safe refuge when storms occur in the West Philippine Sea. Filipinos refer to it as “Panatag Shoal,” with the word “panatag” meaning tranquil. There is more reason for the Filipino fishermen to seek refuge in Scarborough Shoal as it is within the 200 nautical miles-exclusive economic zone of the Philippines.

Roque, H. Jr. (2015, June 26). Scarborough Shoal and the violation of human rights. Manila Standard, pp. A9, A11.