Chinese vessels returned to the Scarborough Shoal on Saturday but Filipino fishermen were not stopped from fishing in the area, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Saturday.

“There are currently six China vessels at (Bajo de Masinloc) BDM,” said Lorenzna in a text message to the Daily Manila Shimbun. The report came from the National Security Council.

“One (Chinese Coast Guard) CCG vessel at the west part, one CCGV at the east entrance inside part of BDM, one CCGV at the east outside part of BDM, one CCGV at the southeast part of BDM and two unidentified China Blue Vessels at the southeast part of BDM,” said Lorenzana

Lorenzana said 10 Filipino fishing boats are in Scarborough Shoal, which is near Zambales province.

“As of now, Filipino Fishermen fishing at (Bajo De Masinloc) BDM are not harassed by (Chinese Coast Guard) CCG,” he said.

“Six Filipino fishing boats have been anchored at the west side and four fishing boats are anchored at the East part for a total of 10 fishing boats at BDM,” he added.

He also mentioned one big color green but unmarked fishing boat was monitored while it was anchored at the east part of Bajo de Masinloc, the report said the boat “is carrying media personnel” but it was clear whether they are Filipinos or not.

Last Friday, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said Chinese ships were no longer harassing Filipino fishermen for the last three days. This has allowed Filipinos to fish in the area for the first time since 2012. Robina Asido/DMS