As the standoff between the Philippines and China drags on, more Chinese fishermen are getting ready to set sail for Scarborough Shoal.
Docked at Hainan Province, fishing boat Qiong-Qionghai 09099 is sailing to the West Philippine Sea, which is more than 400 nautical miles away.
The Chinese fishermen held a ritual to pray for safety at sea before they set sail.
In Manila, activists again trooped to the Chinese Embassy in Makati City to demand that China leave Scarborough Shoal.
“China should respect the UNCLOS and should follow the tribunal,” said Akbayan spokesman Emman Hizon.
However, China is ignoring the protests.
The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Friday that another Chinese ship has been spotted at Scarborough Shoal.
There are now 3 Chinese vessels in the disputed area, against one from the Philippine Coast Guard — the BRP Edsa Dos.
The DFA says it will bring the matter to the Chinese embassy.
“We will ask them that question, and question their intention. Because it was clear that both parties agreed not to do any activity that will escalate the tension,” DFA spokesperson Raul Hernandez said.
The Department will also investigate the hacking of the University of the Philippines website where a map of the West Philippine Sea was shown,
along with China’s claim of its ownership of Scarborough Shoal.
In Malacañang, Communications Secretary Ricky Carandang said Manila will not surrender the disputed area.
“The Philippine government is determined to find a peaceful resolution but we are also equally determined to assert our sovereignty over what is our territory,” he said.
Negotiations between the Philippines and China have stalled for about a week now.
Talks will resume next week when DFA Secretary Albert del Rosario returns from his US trip.