Chinese fishermen around Pag-asa Island in the South China Sea should start leaving the area following the diplomatic protest filed by the Philippine government, presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said yesterday. “Can you tell me what is — what other strong message can you give to them, except to leave the place,” Panelo said when asked about the next step following the diplomatic protest about the alleged harassment by Chinese fishermen. Panelo warned the Philippines will “look for another course of action to assert our sovereignty” if Beijing continues to ignore the protest.

Mendez, C., Laude, J., Felipe, C. S., Flores, H., Simeon, L. M., Cayabyab, M. J., & Lee-Brago, P. (2019, April 3). 'After Phl protest, best for Chinese fishermen to leave'. The Philippine Star, p. 2.