Despite the capture of 11 Chinese
fishermen in the case of illegal trade of turtle at Half Moon Shoal, China is
not backing down form encompassing its claim in South China Sea.
China even expanded its naval
patrols on the road to shoal to protect its fishing vessels in contested
waters.
The local fishermen near the
islets of Palawan noticed the Chinese development in the shoal, in which
Philippine calls it Hasa-Hasa and other known rich ground for fishing in the
region.
“Every time we went fishing at the
shoal there was always a Chinese coast guard ship lurking around protecting
their fishing vessels while hauling sea turtles being sold by their local
contacts,” fisherman said in Barangay Bangkalaan.
What is distressing, he said, is
the lack of support from Philippine government to protect the fishermen from
the Chinas bullying.
“We just hope that authorities in
the Philippines can protect us the way Chinese escort its fishing boats,” Hardon added.
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