Philippine Fishermen Say China Continues to Block Access to Scarborough Shoal 10 Years After Hague Ruling

Post by : Saif

Masinloc, Philippines: Ten years after an international tribunal rejected China's sweeping maritime claims in the South China Sea, many Filipino fishermen say they are still unable to fish freely at Scarborough Shoal, claiming they continue to face harassment from Chinese vessels.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in 2016 that China's restrictions on fishing at Scarborough Shoal were inconsistent with international law. While the tribunal did not decide which country owns the shoal, it concluded that the waters have traditionally been shared by fishermen from the Philippines, China and Vietnam.

Local Fishermen Say Chinese Patrols Keep Them Away

Fishermen from Masinloc in Zambales province say access to the rich fishing grounds has become even more difficult in recent years.

Many previously attempted to fish near the shoal at night when patrols were believed to be lighter. However, they now say Chinese vessels have increased surveillance, making such trips too risky.

Local fisherman Rony Drio, 59, said he has not returned to Scarborough Shoal since 2024, while Henrilito Empoc, 47, said he has avoided the area since 2022. Both now rely on fishing closer to the Philippine coastline, where catches are generally smaller.

Allegations of Water Cannons and Damaged Fishing Equipment

Empoc recalled that many fishermen celebrated the 2016 tribunal ruling with hopes of regaining unrestricted access to traditional fishing grounds.

However, he alleged that Chinese coast guard personnel have used water cannons against Filipino fishing boats and cut anchor lines to force fishermen to leave the area.

Drio also claimed that Chinese personnel ordered him to leave the shoal's lagoon. Because the water was too shallow for his boat, he said he was forced to carry it across sharp coral, causing injuries.

China has not publicly responded to these specific allegations. Beijing continues to reject the 2016 arbitration ruling and maintains what it describes as indisputable sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal, which it calls Huangyan Dao.

Scarborough Shoal Remains a Flashpoint

Scarborough Shoal has remained one of the most sensitive areas in the South China Sea, where overlapping territorial claims have fueled tensions between China and the Philippines.

Relations have remained strained this year following disputes over a floating barrier placed near the shoal's lagoon and China's proposal to establish a nature reserve in the area. The Philippine government has criticized those moves, arguing they strengthen Beijing's control over the disputed waters.

The 2016 tribunal ruling has helped Manila gain broader international diplomatic support, but Filipino fishermen say conditions on the water have changed little despite the legal victory.

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