China still holds the “power” over Panatag Shoal even though Filipinos have regained access to the fishing ground, local fishermen said during a press conference in Malacañang.Romel Cejuela, one of three fishermen who complained about some Chinese Coast Guard personnel who seized a portion of their fish catch in Panatag, said China has deployed coast guard ships in the shoal but there was not a single vessel from its Philippine counterpart. “It’s difficult to accept but you’ll try to take it because they have the power over the area,”Cejuelasaid in Filipino when asked about the China coast guard’s seizure of their catch.

Kabiling, G. (2018, June 12). China in control of Panatag Shoal, fishers say; Beijing denies harassment. Manila Bulletin, pp. 1, 6.