Push Admin

Duterte wants China to guarantee Filipinos' rights, safety in West PH Sea

Article (news)

Arianne Merez, ABS-CBN News

MANILA (UPDATE) - President Rodrigo Duterte will seek China’s assurance on the safety of Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea following the allision of a Filipino fishing boat and a Chinese ship, Malacañang said Tuesday.Duterte told the Cabinet Monday that he would discuss the matter during bilateral meetings with China, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said.“The President wanted China’s assurance that the rights and safety of our fisherfolks are guaranteed,” Panelo said.In a press briefing, Panelo said the President will seek “continuing assurance” from China on the safety of Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea, which Beijing also claims for its own.Panelo also allayed concerns of Filipino fishermen over the West Philippine Sea. “Safe ang ating mga fishermen. Moreover meron naman tayong mga Coast Guard to protect them,” he said.The potentially oil-rich Recto Bank is inside the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).The area has been in the headlines in recent weeks following the June 9 allision of a Filipino fishing boat by a Chinese ship, which prompted a diplomatic protest from the PhilippinesTwenty-two Filipino fishermen were left at sea by the Chinese crew after sinking their boat and were later rescued by a Vietnamese vessel.Duterte has downplayed the incident as he seeks to avoid ruffling feathers in Beijing, prompting outrage from critics who want the Philippines to stand up to what they claim to be Chinese aggression

President Rodrigo Duterte will seek China’s assurance on the safety of Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea following the allision of a Filipino fishing boat and a Chinese ship, Malacañang said Tuesday.

President Rodrigo Duterte will seek China’s assurance on the safety of Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea following the allision of a Filipino fishing boat and a Chinese ship, Malacañang said Tuesday.

Duterte wants China to guarantee Filipinos' rights, safety in West PH Sea

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Traffic

Manila

Horoscope

News

Duterte wants China to guarantee Filipinos' rights, safety in West PH Sea

Arianne Merez,

ABS-CBN News

Published Jul 02, 2019 10:27 AM PHT

|

Updated Jul 02, 2019 02:51 PM PHT

Read More:

Rodrigo Duterte

Salvador Panelo

West Philippine Sea

China

sea dispute

Reed Bank

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.