Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana of the Department of National Defense (DND) said, to guarantee the security and safety of the Filipino fishermen the government is now planning courses of actions to venture off Scarborough Shoal which lies 125 nautical miles off Masinloc town, Zambales.
This is should Chinese Coast Guard continues to harass and prevent Filipino fishermen from entering the rich fishing ground.
Lorenzana said “let us see what happens in the next couple of days. If they continue to deny entry (to Filipino fishermen), then maybe the government will come up with some actions or solutions to allow these fishermen to go there unimpeded by the Chinese Coast Guard.”
The DND chief said the Philippines has many options but declined to discuss these as it merely “telegraphs what we are doing to the other side.”
“But we are going to wait for some decisions from higher-ups on what we will be doing, President Duterte will have to consult other agencies before coming up with ‘concrete actions,’ he added.
When China gained control of Scarborough Shoal after a tense standoff with Philippine Navy units in 2012. The Chinese maritime law enforcement units consistently driving away Filipino fishermen before reaching the area of Scarborough Shoal. – (PNA) /JCE
Good sign.