MANILA, Philippines —
“Let me clarify it. The fishing moratorium is 12 degrees latitude up north. Basically, what will hit the fishing moratorium is our traditional fishing area up north, which is Bajo de Masinloc, our traditional fishing area,” Tarriela said, referring to Panatag Shoal by its local name. Also spotted by the Philippine Navy were five CCG vessels – each around Panatag and Ayungin. Fourteen MMVs were monitored in Panatag and 17 in Ayungin, where a Philippine military outpost on the beached BRP Sierra Madre is located.
“There are already numerous instances that they deployed their monster ship to threaten here in the Philippines. The first one was in 2022. They did it in 2022 when we had exercise with US coast guard. Whenever there is an exercise, they deployed. This is always related to intimidation to discourage again any civilian convoy to any part of the WPS,” Tarriela said.
The Department of Foreign Affairs earlier filed a note verbale to protest China’s unilateral imposition of a fishing moratorium. He said Filipinos should reflect on what the national flag represents. “Let us renew our commitment to our nation, to our values and to each other. Let us teach our children the importance of love for country and the significance of our flag,” he said.