MANILA, Philippines — A fisherfolk group appealed to the government to protest China's blockade of Scarborough or Panatag Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. Chinese Coast Guard vessels have reportedly been blocking access to, and driving away Filipino fishermen from, the traditional fishing ground off the coast of Zambales. Fisherfolk group Pambansang Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) condemned Beijing for allegedly denying access to Filipino fishermen in Philippine waters. According to reports, Chinese coast guard personnel were seen encircling a Philippine vessel near Scarborough Shoal in an incident on March 14. Pamalakaya pointed out that the Philippine government has all the reasons to denounce China's aggression against Filipino fishermen.

Source: Philippine Star March 25, 2019 04:40 UTC