China removes its floating barriers from Panatag

The reasons are not yet clear, but China has removed its floating barriers in the vicinity of Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, National Security Council assistant director general Jonathan Malaya said yesterday.

- MICHAEL PUNONGBAYAN

The removal comes amid the increased rotational presence of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and Philippine Navy vessels in the area.

According to Malaya, the China Coast Guard removed the barriers over the weekend shortly after the BRP Datu Tamblot of BFAR brought BRP Datu Tamblot of BFAR brought fuel and other supplies to Filipino fishermen in the area.

"Per PCG, the barrier is no longer there," Malaya told The STAR, opting not to speculate on the reasons or motive behind China's latest acor motive behind China's latest actions and how the Philippines will respond.