The government is making sure Filipino fishermen are not deprived of access to Panatag Shoal’s rich resources despite threats of being driven away even during inclement weather by intruding Chinese vessels. Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the Filipino fishermen are free to go to the area not just for fish but also for other marine resources they are allowed to collect. In a press briefing, Lacierda said the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) would continue to assist fishermen who were driven away from Panatag Shoal in the West Philippine Sea by Chinese sailors reportedly with the use of a water cannon last Jan. 27.

Calica, A., & Sapnu, R. (2014, March 4). Palace: Fishermen can still go to Panatag. The Philippine Star, p. 3.