President Duterte yesterday conveyed to Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua his concern over the reported seizure of Filipino fishermen’s catch by Chinese coastguards at the Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal. It was Zhao who confirmed Duterte’s relaying his concern, in a brief chat, on the sidelines of the celebration of the 120th anniversary of Philippine Independence at the Aguinaldo shrine here. Duterte was seen talking with Zhao for a few minutes. He also interacted with other diplomats and officials after the ceremonies. “President Duterte shared his concern about the Filipino fishermen. I remember even before he took office, he raised concern and now he took office, China and the Philippines, under the guidance of the Presidents of both countries, reached a friendly arrangement which allows the Filipino fishermen to go back to the waters near Scarborough,” he said.

Romero, A., Romero, P., & Macairan, E. (2018, June 13). Rody airs concern over fishermen’s plight. The Philippine Star, p. 2.