The situation at the disputed Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal off Zambales may be temporarily productive for Filipino fishermen, but it appears to be unstable without a formal agreement with China or an enforceable ruling as to its status. While the Philippines succeeded in regaining access to the traditional fishing ground, it has failed to assert an official presence in the area – in contrast to the looming authority of the Chinese Coast Guard overseeing activities around the shoal. The pictures and videos of activities there show who is in control and who is merely being tolerated. The stories of fishermen returning home with their catch confirm the impression that they cast their nets in Panatag waters only by sufferance of the Chinese.

Pascual, F. D. Jr. (2016, November 1). Panatag situation uneven, unstable. The Philippine Star, p. 8.