RUN-INS WITH CHINESE COAST GUARD
At the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, some Filipino fishermen – including Mr Freddie Legaspi – have continued fishing there despite China’s new regulation threatening to detain maritime trespassers.
Both the Philippines and China lay claim to Scarborough Shoal, a chain of reefs and rocks famed for its rich waters and marine resources.
A landmark 2016 ruling on the South China Sea by an arbitral tribunal convened under the auspices of the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that China’s blockade of the shoal violated international law. The court noted that the area was a traditional fishing ground for several countries.
But China has ignored the judgement.
“Sometimes, when we are near Scarborough, we are shooed away by the China coast guard, so we are forced to travel further,” Mr Legaspi told CNA.
“We’re somewhat worried now because of China’s new trespass rule. But our fish aggregating device is near Scarborough, so we need to go there.”
Such a device, which is used to attract fish, can cost at least US$1,300. They usually consist of buoys or floats tethered to the ocean floor.
It is considered a steep investment for local fisherfolk and boat owners, who refuse to abandon such devices out at sea despite possible run-ins with China’s coast guard.
In late June, the engine on the boat that Mr Legaspi was on exploded 17 nautical miles southwest of Scarborough. He suffered second-degree burns, but had to wait two hours before he was rescued.
The Philippine coast guard has accused China’s coast guard of initially blocking its rescue mission that was heading to help the crew.
Mr Legaspi’s wife, Laurence, is worried about the medical costs for his burn injuries.
“It’s better if the government has funds for accidents at sea faced by fisherfolk,” she said.
“Many of us rely on fishing as our main source of living. I hope the government continues to patrol Scarborough.”
