PHL files two diplomatic protests over China’s harassment of Pinoy fishers

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The Philippines on Wednesday lodged two diplomatic protests against China’s alleged harassment of Filipino fishermen off the Manila-claimed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea and its illegal harvest of endangered species in the same area.

In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs said the diplomatic notes were handed to representatives of the Chinese Embassy in Manila.

Citing a report from the Philippine Coast Guard, the DFA said three Philippine-flagged fishing vessels – F/V OG Barbie, F/V Ocean Glory 2, and F/V Ana Marie – “were intentionally rammed” by Chinese Coast Guard Vessel 3412 on January 29 at the shoal, “causing damage to the vessels and endangering the lives and safety of the Filipino fishermen on board.”

The fresh incident shows the fragile situation in the South China Sea amid efforts from the Philippines and China to restore ties that have been marred by years-long territorial conflicts.

Scarborough, located 124 nautical miles from Masinloc town in Zambales and 472 nautical miles from China’s nearest coastal province of Hainan, is called Huangyan Island by the Chinese.

 

Read more: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/426181/news/nation/phl-files-two-diplomatic-protests-over-china-s-harassment-of-pinoy-fishers

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