The Filipino civilian mission was conducting fishing operations in the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) on Thursday when forty-three Chinese vessels—including a warship—moved to Scarborough Shoal to obstruct them.
On Wednesday, Ray Powell, a former US Air Force official and defence attaché, posted on X, stating that China has finally moved the rest of its blockade into position.
Thirty-four Chinese militia vessels, eight China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels, and one People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy ship were reportedly circling Scarborough Shoal.
Co-convenor Atin Ito and Akbayan president Rafaela David said they successfully broke China’s illegal blockade, reaching Bajo de Masinloc to provide our fishermen with necessary supplies and that the mission was successful.
According to Atin Ito, the 100-boat Philippine civilian mission is about to begin its second phase of mission, for a second round of supply distribution to local fishermen. Aileen Lor
