In heeding to the orders of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. through Secretary Eduardo Año, chairperson of the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the WPS, Commodore Jay Tarriela has announced the removal of the floating barrier that obstructed the Southeast entrance of Bajo De Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal.
"The barrier posed a hazard to navigation, a clear violation of international law. It also hinders the conduct of fishing and livelihood activities of Filipino fisherfolk in BDM, which is an integral part of the Philippine national territory," according to his X (formerly Twitter) post on Tuesday
He insisted that the 2016 Arbitral Award has affirmed that Bajo de Masinloc is the traditional fishing ground of Filipino fishermen.
"Thus, any obstruction hindering the livelihoods of Filipino fisherfolk in the shoal violates the international law. It also infringes on the Philippines' sovereignty over BDM," he added.
Further, Tarriela said the decisive action of the PCG to remove the barrier aligns with international law and the Philippines' sovereignty over the shoal.
"The PCG remains committed to upholding international law, safeguarding the welfare of Filipino fisherfolk, and protecting the rights of the Philippines in its territorial waters," according to Tarriela.